UConn moved up to fifth in defense of San Diego State.

Instead of John

College basketball broadcaster and reporter

Houston – Blue Bloods? Blue blood.

of Connecticut Huskies Since 1999, they have become the national champion for the fifth time San Diego State, 76-59, Monday night at NRG Stadium.

Fest made it harder for the Aztecs’ team at halftime, when UConn held the Aztecs scoreless for more than 11 minutes and led 36-24. But Connecticut’s lead was cut to 60-55 with just over five minutes left in the game. Jordan Hawkins Stores hit the game-winning shot for the team, burying it on a 3 screen and taking away hope from the crowd in Aztec Red.

Dan Hurley backed up his word in 5th year. Living in the shadow of his father, Bob Sr., and brother, Bobby, the 50-year-old provided a family spotlight in Houston, a program that will forever be heard. The freight train program out of Storrs has re-established itself at the top of the college basketball mountain after completing one of the slowest runs in NCAA Tournament history – winning all six games by a total of 120 points.

How did this happen? As Hurley said on Sunday, three different guys will play their best basketball at the right time. Adam Sanogo He recorded his fourth double-double in six tournament games with 17 and 10 and was named the Final Four’s MVP. Hawkins poured in 16, hitting the defining shot of the game.

But the player who silenced critics of the team’s point guard play? Tristan Newton. The East Carolina transfer was impressive with 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

In a wild college basketball season with the impression that no elite team had ever reached a 1-, 2- or 3-seed Final Four for the first time in Big Dance history, Connecticut had the last word.

The Huskies, who started the season 14-0 and ranked No. 2 in America, took the humble pie in the playoffs. Big East At the top of the tough league — by the way — three teams reached the Sweet 16 and posted a 12-4 record in the playoffs.

It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to them.

San Diego State hit four of its first five shots to take a 10-6 lead and it looked like we were going to be in for a fight. Boasting the nation’s fourth-best defense, the Aztecs regularly struggle to find shots.

Well, that turns out to be true.

It was Connecticut’s defense that shut down the Aztecs that allowed this team to rise to the level it was. That’s all there is to this game: UConn defended well against San Diego State. Who does this? No one is in this race, and that’s why the Huskies have been an absolute wreck over the last three weeks. The Huskies showed why they are third and eighth in offensive and defensive efficiency.

This team was, simply put, a wagon. And it was on display again on Monday night. Despite the challenge, the Huskies left no doubt.

The so-called basketball capital of the world has reclaimed its throne.

John Fanta is a national college basketball broadcaster and sportswriter for FOX. He covers sports in a variety of capacities, from calling games on FS1 to serving as lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network to commentating on the 68 Media Network field. Follow him on Twitter @John_instead.

Read more:

follow Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience