The UConn Huskies are on their way to headline their second consecutive National Championship Game. Another a dominant second-half display against the Alabama Crimson Tide, the defending champions comfortably won 86-72 at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Now, they will lock horns with Zach Edey’s Purdue in their attempt to become back-to-back national champions.
While many players stepped up for them in this crucial Final Four game, it was the amazing efforts of their 7 ft 2 star Donovan Clingan that created a stir around in social media.
Despite having an injury in his right hand, Clingan was on fire. In the final minutes of the game, he displayed his prowess both offensively and defensively. With just over 2 minutes to go, he converted a dunk by Tristen Newton to give the Huskies a 10-point advantage over their opponents. Immediately after, he ran across the other end of the court and stopped Nelson from scoring through his big block.
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DONOVAN CLINGAN IS BALLING 😳#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Ffj9fV2ElI
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2024
Evidently, this was not the only time he showcased such intensity. Earlier in the half, a missed jumper from Cam Spencer was converted into a defensive rebound which Clingan soon turned into a layup. Then, he marched quickly to take the defensive role and prevented Mark Sears from scoring 2 points by pillaring his way with his block.
Donovan Clingan is DIFFERENT pic.twitter.com/IkiplMhPZK
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 7, 2024
Consequently, this evoked numerous reactions from the fans as they were thrilled by this exhibition.
Fans love Donovan Clingan’s dominance
After seeing the giant center asserting his supremacy on the court, fans rallied behind him expressing their admiration. An X user called him a machine after witnessing his brilliance on the hardwood.
Donovan Clingan is a machine. pic.twitter.com/TQ1EBpK0dJ
— Jacob Rhymer (@Rhymetime05) April 7, 2024
One fan was so impressed by his display that she called him a beast.
Donovan Clingan is a beast 🤯😮💨
— alex 🙂 (@alexcviola) April 7, 2024
Another comment states the fact that Clingan is always able to deliver top-quality performances.
DONOVAN always deliver a top quality performance all the time.
— Truth (@777numbers) April 7, 2024
Meanwhile, one passionate fan was thankful to see UConn and Purdue reach the National Championship game as the two teams have been the most consistent throughout the season.
Thank god they ending college basketball with a Uconn Vs Purdue!
— Petre🐦 (@lil_Petre) April 7, 2024
Further, some even started drawing comparisons of him with Purdue’s star center Zach Edey, who will meet on Monday night in a battle of giants.
Better than Edey
— Alex (@GoDawgs999) April 7, 2024
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The National Championship game this year is expected to be a blockbuster. With all the big names realizing their true potential in crucial games for both teams, it will come down to who holds their nerves better in the end.
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Read More- Alabama’s Grant Nelson’s Poster on Donovan Clingan, Embarrasses 7 ft 2 in Star and Exhilarates Fans
Can the Huskies repeat their previous year’s glory against Purdue in the Finals? Tell us what you think.