With Donovan Clingan Making a Comeback, Can the UConn Win Back to Back Titles?

The Huskies are roaring. The University of Connecticut is currently ranked as the number one team in the country in the AP men’s basketball polls. They in their most recent game against the Creighton Bluejays hammered their opponents in both halves. While during the first half, the Huskies basketed 32 points in response to the Bluejays 21, during the next half the UConn smashed 30 points while the Bluejays could only pot 27.

Thus, the Huskies emerged victorious in the game by a remarkable margin of 62-48. After this game, about 9 out of 10 people would recommend the Huskies for the national title.

How did the Huskies perform?

For the Huskies, there three players stood out smoking points in double digits. Their guard Tristen Newton scored a game-high 16 points whereas another guard Cam Spencer and forward Alex Karaban sloshed 13 points each. Other than what was commendable was that nine players contributed to nabbing rebounds. Newton along with their guard Stephon Castle grabbed the game’s highest 8 rebounds. 

It was an exceptional defensive performance by the Huskies that limited their opponents to just 48 points and credit must be given to them for that. The UConn demonstrated top-notch skills and were mentally and physically tough throughout their game. Another person who deserves credit for their on-court brilliance is their head coach Dan Hurley. This game also marked their center Donovan Clingan’s return to the court after he was sidelined for quite some time due to a foot injury.

Though Clingan only played for 15 minutes and scored 6 points with 5 rebounds, it was his return that fueled delight in a lot of fans. He seemed to have completely recovered since he was diving on the floor and using his legs without hesitating. With this performance, the UConn have justified their position in the AP polls. As per a lot of experts, they are above the fiery Purdue Boilermakers. The defending champions can rake up another champion title provided Clingan contributes his best.

The UConn didn’t receive as many accolades for their offense as they did for defense. The Creighton is considered a hard team to guard since they put their best three to four players to decimate the opponents. But the UConn looked in full control as they neutralized their opponents’ tactics. The Bluejays could only smash 6-for-26 three-pointers which speaks a lot about the UConn’s tactics. 

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The UConn might not be applauded for their offense since they also shot just 5-for-19 three-pointers, what stands out is that they won a game while only smoking 62 points. They lost one of their most fiery offensive players the guard Jordan Hawkins to the NBA still they came back this season as a top team. They have developed two main strategies for building an obstructive wall with or without Clingan.

A Lesson In Defense

They have guards who can get to the rim and basket. They can also chase people off the screen. Newton, Spencer, and Karaban are not the best perimeter defenders. They are fine positionally and know how to rotate and scramble. This is where Clingan fits. He is like a wall who can rebound a lot. He has made a good handful of rebounds in every game he has played this season for the UConn.

The UConn ran their opponents out of shots and also created extremely hard hedges with their forward Samson Johnson on ball screens. They doubled the ball handler, got the tagger, and cut off the passes to the sideline. They have different ball screen coverages based on their personnel which is really advanced basketball tactic.

Losing Clingan has helped them develop into a better team. Without him they have won impeccable games and have changed their tactics and strategies, adjusting to his absence. Most fans had thought that they would face a breakdown midway without Clingan but it has been quite the opposite.

They have bonded together well and executed their strategies without a second thought. And this is the stuff of the champions. They have been promising with the way they have evolved. With Clingan they rely on the drop and without him they make way for a hard hedge. Their tactics can sure bring a lot of delight to their fans.

Can UConn win another title?

With the precision they have shown with both their defense strategies, they are truly a top-notch team. And if they continue their defensive strategies then they can emerge not only as the prime contenders for the championship title but can win it consecutively for the second year. All this team needs is Clingan to perform his best and stay fit for the clutch moments where he can give his best and thrash his opponents.

Another thing this team needs to be careful of is how to perform in Clingan’s absence. Sure, they have the elite stuff that makes legends but can they continue without their star against the most dominant sides? And what if their defensive game breaks? If it does, then do they have a scorer who can acclimatize to such situations?

Given Hurley’s gaming acumen and advanced strategizing skills can sure make them win another title this year, provided they take care of their offense. And with Clingan on the squad and fit to don the jersey, who knows they might just materialize their dreams again this year.

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