Newton’s 20 Points Guide The Huskies
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Shara Talia Taylor
UConn advanced to the Sweet 16 after defeating Northwestern 75-58 in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Following round one the Huskies wanted to limit free throws and improve defense and rebounding and much was accomplished. The Huskies made points swiftly and took a lead early in the game, which made the difference even with the Wildcats resurgence of energy after halftime.
“We were obviously thrilled with the performance, and to get that separation, you know, while going 3 for 22 from three,” said Huskies Coach Dan Hurley. “And a handful of those were contested but obviously we didn’t shoot it great, and to still win by that margin, obviously it spoke to our defense and obviously the 20 assists on 29 field goals.”
The Huskies had more success in field goals. UConn made 53.7% of their field goals and 13.6 of their 3-pointers. Northwestern made 37.3% of their field goals and 26.7% of their 3-pointers. Whatever the pack lacked in shots they made up in defense. The Huskies made six steals and nine blocks against the Wildcats on Sunday and had six steals and two blocks against Stetson Friday. Huskies Center Donovan Clingan wanted to improve on defense and rebounding after the Stetson matchup.
“You know, if you want to win games and try to reach our ultimate goal, you’ve got to play the best defense you possibly can,” Clingan said.
Although the team had less total rebounds, with 45 against Stetson and 33 against Northwestern, Clingan had 8 total rebounds against Stetson and 14 against Northwestern.
UConn guard Tristen Newton wanted to keep the opposing team from the free throw line following round one. Stetson shot 20 free throws Friday and Northwestern shot 10 on Sunday.
“I would say we did pretty good,” Newton said. Newton led the Huskies with 20 points.
“Second half we had a little stretch where we were a little sloppy and they were getting to the line a little bit,” Clingan said.
Northwestern Guard Boo Buie made two free throws with 1:22 minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Huskies led 40-18 at halftime. UConn was oust-scored by Northwestern 40-35 in the second half alone.
The Wildcats returned after halftime with more energy. They made eight free throws in the second half, making 10 of 10 in the game.
“We were down a lot at that point, but we looked at it as if it was 0-0 and we knew we were not going to quit because that’s just not us,” Buie said. “And if we are going to lose, you’re going to have to just beat us.”
Buie had 9 points. Wildcats Guard Brooks Barnhizer led Northwestern with 18 points.
“We ran into a team that out-played us, a better team and we move on, but it doesn’t diminish at all what these guys have meant and what this team has meant not only to me and our staff, and to our program,” said Northwestern Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Collins.
UConn moved ahead to face the San Diego State Aztecs in Boston Thursday.
