U-Conn Players Talk About Capturing NCAA Title
The University of Connecticut scored big in Monday night's national college basketball finals.
The Huskies beat the University of Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in Arlington, Texas, winning its fourth NCCA title.
The stadium was dominated by Kentucky fans Monday night, but U-Conn started off strong with a dunk by DeAndre Daniels and a layup by Ryan Boatright.
But Kentucky wasn't going to make it that easy. They answered with a 3-pointer by Andrew Harrison, followed by another by James Young.
But guard Shabazz Napier responded with a 3-pointer of his own, increasing the Huskies' lead to 13.
The Wildcats tried to make a late run by head to the half down by four.
After the half, Kentucky came out firing with a 3-pointer by Aaron Harrison.
Still, UConn wasn't going away, with Niels Giffey for three and Napier again for two.
Then James Young made a statement with a dunk over two defenders -- but it wasn't enough. UConn maintained the lead the entire game.
Kentucky tried to answer with a dunk by forward Alex Poythress, but UConn continued to dominate and the Huskies became national champs.
Here are a few post-game interview comments CBN Sports Reporter Shawn Brown (SB) did with the new champions - giving their thoughts on the game:
SB: "You looked up at the clock and you saw ':00' what were your thoughts?"
Tor Watts, #25, Guard: "We got a national championship lets bring it back to stores... lets bring it back to Connecticut."
SB: "You guys never let go of the lead. What was the game plan going in?"
Tor Watts, #25, Guard: "The game plan was keep them off the glass because they're an incredible offense. We rebound... we win the game... thats what we wrote on the board. We make them shoot three's and we make them go in."
Shabazz Napier, #13, Guard: "We just told guys... keep our composure... we was gonna win this game. We was gonna do the right things to win. It's definitely a sweet feeling because we have been through a lot and to understand each player knows what to do and when to do it. It just comes from our experience and it's definitely a special feeling to know we pushed each other so hard to do this. Going into the post season we knew there was a chance to win the national championship -- no matter what nobody said. Everybody doubted us. As long as we believe in each other and in the coaching staff we would be alright."
Amida Brimah, #35, Center: "Yeah its amazing. Its the best feeling -- ever! Its the best feeling ever."
Tyler Olander, #10, Forward: "You know, you win it freshman year, you feel on top of the world. And, then you come in next year -- you get bounced the first round. Then the next year after that you can't play until the post season at all and to do it with the guys like Nield and Shabazz who really have become brothers to me, its just... I couldn't ask for anything more."
Omar Calhoun, #21, Guard: "You never think something like this is gonna happen, to see UConn with the win with the clock 00, you never thought it would happen and to see it happen..its just phenomenal."
