UConn shocks Gonzaga in major upset at Madison Square Garden

In the world of college basketball, the University of Connecticut, a state school located in Storrs, Connecticut, has made significant gains in the sport, particularly since joining the Big East Conference in 1979. Under the leadership of coach Jim Calhoun, the program started to capture national attention in the mid-1990s, especially with the emergence of guard Ray Allen, who later became a Hall of Famer. Although Allen left UConn before winning a championship, the Huskies managed to clinch their first title in 1999, setting off a remarkable journey where they have claimed a total of six national championships in the last 25 years—more than any other program during the same time frame. This rise has enabled UConn to compete with established programs such as UCLA, North Carolina, and Kentucky, cementing their status as one of the dominant forces in college basketball. Conversely, Gonzaga University, classified as a 'mid-major' basketball program, has also made its mark in the sport, especially since their Elite Eight appearance in 1999. During that remarkable tournament run, Gonzaga defeated several power conference teams but eventually fell to UConn. The coach responsible for that success, Dan Monson, left for Minnesota after the tournament. Since then, Gonzaga has achieved consistency in its performance by making the NCAA tournament every year since 1999 and finishing ranked in the AP poll each season since 2008-09. This consistency and success have led many to argue that Gonzaga has transcended its mid-major label, being the least 'mid' of the mid-majors. On a recent night at Madison Square Garden, UConn played Gonzaga, a significant event in their non-conference schedule. UConn entered the game as the 18th ranked team and managed to build on their season's momentum following impressive wins against Baylor and Texas. The game's atmosphere was electrifying as UConn supporters created a partisanship even in what was designed to be a neutral site. The Huskies led by three points at halftime and continued to demonstrate their strength with a long-range three-pointer that extended their lead to ten points, energizing the crowd. As the game concluded, UConn's victory over Gonzaga proved crucial not only in establishing their dominance but also set the stage for a challenging conference slate ahead. This game marks another significant achievement for UConn, reinforcing their status in the college basketball landscape and their ongoing journey towards potentially more national championships in the future.