The defending champions just keep getting better and better. After manhandling all their opponents in the first three rounds of this year’s March Madness, the Huskies showcased yet another example of their destructive tendencies in the Elite Eight. Dan Hurley’s crew ripped apart Illinois 77-52 to enter their second consecutive Final Four. However, the turn of events that caught everyone’s attention was their monumental 30-0 run during the game.
With just 1:27 minutes remaining in the first half and the scores leveled at 23 a piece, Hassan Diarra’s three-point jumper for UConn started an unstoppable streak of points that ended with his layup 7 minutes into the second half.
UConn goes on a 9-minute rampage to shut down Illinois
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The first half concluded with two free throws from Tristen Newton in the final minute giving the Huskies a five-point lead. The additions then were made in the opening 10 seconds of the second half courtesy of a layup by Donovan Clingan. This then started a series of dunks, free throws and layups which furthered the gap between both teams. Then, a three-point jumper from Alex Karaban gave the Huskies a 21-point advantage while the clock still had 14:58 remaining.
That escalated quickly 😳
UConn went on a 30-0 RUN dating back to the first half. pic.twitter.com/AaM1cNKrGE
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 30, 2024
Additionally, more players like Samson Johnson joined the onslaught and continued to shred Illinois’ defense to pieces. Eventually, it was Justin Harmon who broke the Fighting Illini’s scoring deadlock when his layup added 2 points in the 8th minute of the second half. Consequently, this crazy exhibition is getting a lot of reactions from the fans.
Fans exhilarated over the Huskies’ exploits
One fan posted a hilarious video of an American Husky pup wildly going after its food and relating it to UConn’s on-court destruction. In addition to this, he also stated that UConn can’t be stopped at the moment.
30-0 RUN FOR THE HUSKIES
UCONN CAN’T BE STOPPED pic.twitter.com/61exufM1Mt
— GoldBoys.com (@GoldBoysSupport) March 30, 2024
Meanwhile, another X user compared UConn’s performance to John Wick’s killing shots.
UConn 30-0 run today was John Fcking Wick…kill shots pic.twitter.com/zWkLWjbejy
— BigLarryForearm (@BigLarryBabyArm) March 31, 2024
Additionally, one college basketball fan used a witty Steve Carell GIF from the office to depict Illinois’ coach Brad Underwood’s state during his timeouts.
UConn goes on a 30-0 run, and Illinois' coach calls a timeout to talk it over. pic.twitter.com/R2inF2C4pE
— Xeriland (@Xeriland) March 31, 2024
Further, an Illinois fan couldn’t bear the pain of his team’s predicament.
UCONN with a 30-0 run….this is painful. pic.twitter.com/oeScLXgDqB
— Donnie Jr. (@Dbrasco37) March 30, 2024
Another noteworthy comment pointed out how Commentators mentioned how Illinois was scoreless for 50 minutes of real-time. Moreover, he tagged the popular podcast show The Field of 68.
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Commentators said Illinois didn't score in 50 minutes real time.
30-0 run by Uconn…..hotdamn!
— FourEyes (@PEN_Danger) March 31, 2024
Indeed, it was a barbaric display by the defending champions. With Alabama winning their Elite Eight game against Clemson, it will be an uphill task for the Crimson Tides to get the better of UConn next. At the same time, the Huskies will enter the contest exuding with confidence knowing what they are capable of.
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What are your thoughts on UConn’s recent feat?