Conn-quest possible?

Huskies showing they're capable of a rare repeat after handling UNC. Plus, Illinois' dynamic duo, Big 12 rules, Cliff Ellis to retire, and more

Monday’s slate was lackluster, which meant Tuesday had to be awesome.

Spoiler alert: It was.

1. Repeat after me: UConn can win again

The last men’s D-I team to repeat as national champions was when Florida brought back its entire starting five and claimed titles in 2006 and 2007.

After an 87-76 win against No. 9 North Carolina at the Jimmy V Classic, it’s clear UConn can do the same.

The No. 5 Huskies had all their pieces fit Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. They shot well (51.5%), and their balanced scoring (Cam Spencer’s 23 led four players in double figures) made it tough for UNC to ever make a run. When the Heels climbed to within six midway through the second half, UConn nailed back-to-back 3s from Alex Karaban and Solomon Ball.

“We just got absolutely everything out of what we wanted when we put this on the schedule,” Huskies coach Dan Hurley said. "The atmosphere is awesome. The opponent is probably one of the best teams in the country, and it was such a great test coming off the disappointment of the Kansas loss on the road. Just to put that kind of impressive performance — it speaks to the group we have this year.”

That explosiveness is why UConn is so dangerous.

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