Logic was respected in these first university semi-finals. For the first time since 2007 and the Florida college of a certain Joakim Noah, U-Conn has the opportunity to defend its title in the final of the prestigious March Madness after its success against Illinois (77-52). Alabama imitated it by defeating Clemson (89-82), to reach the final four for the first time in its history.
To reach this precious Final Four stage, the Connecticut Huskies managed to beat their opponents 30-0. While the game hung on almost until halftime, the Illinois players collapsed. Unable to respond to the physical challenge, they began to miss all their shots (17 in a row) without being able to stop their opponents on the other side.
The bill is therefore very steep at the end of this meeting and it is rather logical that the reigning champions offered themselves a chance to defend their title on the condition of overcoming Alabama. Led by Mark Sears on fire behind the arc (23 points, including 7 winning shots), the favorites in this quarter-final still got off to a bad start.
Facing Clemson who had decided to give everything in this battle, they were up to 13 points behind to start this decisive match. But with important baskets in the final moments, it is Alabama which will aim for a historic first qualification for the final.
The two other universities which will make up this Final Four will be known this night. On the program, the legendary Duke team, led by Jared McCain, will face the great story of this month of March, NC State. The “Wolfpack” which includes Mohamed Diarra, the last Frenchman active in this tournament, will try to continue its momentum. The other meeting will be between Purdue and Tennessee for a place in the last four. The final stages will take place in Glendale, Arizona next weekend (April 6-8).