BRISTOL, Connecticut, U.S.A. — They shocked the world!
The UConn Huskies, 9 1/2 point underdogs to the heavily favored Duke Blue Devils, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent title game history when they beat Duke last Monday night. The team needed to use some surprises to become national champs.
Ricky Moore, usually the defensive stopper and only rarely an offensive threat, burst out with 13 first half points. With Khalid El Amin coming out of the gate cold, Moore’s offensive explosion was a much-needed boost.
Elton Brand, the national player of the year, was held in check for most of the night, a surprise to most observers.
With Jake Voskuhl staying out of foul trouble and the team being able to use some effective double and triple teams, Brand was unable to step up and take the game over.
The game was close throughout and was never really decided until the end. A Trajan Langdon four-point play late closed the gap uncomfortably, and only when Langdon traveled on one possession and then fell down on the next did the outcome finally become clear.
Duke was supposed to be one of the greatest teams ever, and maybe they will be remembered as such.
UConn was not given a chance by many people, not even to stay too close throughout.
If the game were played ten more times, maybe UConn would lose ten in a row. Maybe they would struggle to win more than one.
However, there is only one national championship game, and no one can take away the fact that UConn did what needed to be done. They are the last ones standing.
Collin Seguin is a Reporter for Youth Journalism International.
