Cam Spencer Displays Offensive Prowess as Replay of 2023’s NCAA Championship Game Sees Same Fate for UConn in Sweet 16

Published 03/28/2024, 10:04 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

An offensive masterclass from Cam Spencer (18 points, 5 rebounds), Tristen Newton (17 points, 7 rebounds), and an impactful double-double from Stephon Castle (16 points, 11 rebounds) takes the Huskies to their 2nd consecutive Elite Eight! In a repeat of last year’s national championship game, UConn sends the Aztecs home empty-handed by securing a thumping 82-52 win.

A Jumper from the Aztec’s No.13 Jaedon LeDee put the first points on the board for the night. Moments later, he followed it up with a three to level the scores. This was in response to Alex Karaban’s long-range shot for the Huskies after Donovan Clingan opened the proceedings for UConn. After this, neither was able to get a healthy lead because of a series of missed layups and jumpers.

Following this, with 14:37 left in the first half, the Huskies went on a 7-0 run, which included some feisty layups from Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer. In addition to this, a highlight reel beyond-the-arc shot from Newton further asserted UConn’s dominance in the game. After this, San Diego tried to find its way into the game but wasn’t able to close in on the gap. Further, the Huskies were more efficient in their shooting both from the field (21 of 51) and from the three-point range (33.3%). Consequently, they ended the first half with a 9-point lead.

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USA Today via Reuters

The second half began with more players joining in apart from Cam Spencer’s 16 points. Seemingly, Tristen Newton and Stephon Castle created further separation and were turning the fixture into a one-sided affair. The Big East champions had an 18-point advantage while the game still had more than 8 minutes of play left. Spencer, Newton, and Castle then combined and showcased an offensive onslaught and took the defending champs closer to victory. There was nothing else that San Diego State could offer as they went down 82-52.

Evidently, it took a special effort from a special player to see the Huskies home.

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Cam Spencer stepping up for UConn!

Senior guard Cam Spencer lived up to the expectations of head coach Dan Hurley as was the pick of the players in this crucial encounter. He was 6 of 12 in shooting from the field and had 50% accuracy in 3-pointers. Additionally, he landed all his free throw attempts along with grabbing 3 steals and dishing out 3 assists.

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The Huskies have sent a resounding message with the mammoth second-half display. Moreover, with all its players clicking at the right time, it would be difficult for any opposition to contain them. Will they repeat their previous season’s glory? What are your thoughts on UConn’s dominant performance?

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Written by:

Shahryar Fazal

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Shahryar Fazal is a senior NBA writer at EssentiallySports. His specialisation lies in his scrupulous Live Coverage of the events like NCAA and WNBA tournaments. A former sportsman himself, Shahryar used to contribute stories for publishing houses like TOI before taking up American sports as his field of interest.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz