NEW YORK – The UConn Huskies secured a historic victory in the Big East Tournament, showcasing their dominance in a 73-57 win against Marquette on Saturday night. Led by Donovan Clingan’s impressive performance with 22 points and 16 rebounds, and Jaylin Stewart’s unexpected contribution with three crucial second-half 3-pointers, the Huskies claimed their first conference title since rejoining the league four years ago.
Tristen Newton, the Tournament MVP, also played a pivotal role with 13 points and 10 assists, as UConn secured their eighth Big East title, matching Georgetown for the most in conference history. The victory marked a significant achievement for a program that had not won the tournament since 2011, the year Kemba Walker led them to a national championship.
Despite facing a resilient Marquette team missing star player Tyler Kolek due to injury, UConn’s depth and determination shone through. Freshman Jaylin Stewart, typically a bench player averaging 2.4 points, stepped up with a crucial nine-point burst in just four minutes, helping UConn pull away in the second half.
The Golden Eagles, last year’s tournament champions, were led by Kam Jones with 13 points, but ultimately could not match the Huskies’ firepower. UConn’s reliance on Clingan’s dominance in the paint proved effective, especially on a night when their perimeter shooting struggled.
The win not only marked UConn’s reemergence as a powerhouse in the Big East but also solidified their comeback on the national stage. After returning to the conference in 2020-21, UConn has been on a trajectory of success, culminating in last year’s NCAA title. Winning the Big East Tournament was a significant milestone for Coach Dan Hurley and his team, proving their resilience and competitiveness.
As UConn fans celebrated the victory at Madison Square Garden, Hurley emphasized that the journey was far from over. With a record of 8-3 in Big East finals and an undefeated streak at MSG this season, the Huskies are poised to make a strong statement in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
Looking ahead, UConn’s stellar season has positioned them as potential favorites for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for another thrilling postseason run. Despite the challenges faced throughout the season, the Huskies have demonstrated their championship pedigree and are ready to compete at the highest level on the national stage.