The UConn men and women have created countless memories through the madness of March and onto the championships won in April. Each day between now and the men’s and women’s Final Fours next month, The Courant will look back through our archives and highlight a memorable men’s and/or women’s game that occurred on that date. Today:
March 22, 1990: UConn 71, Clemson 70
It is considered by many as the launching point to the UConn men becoming one of the true blue blood programs in all of college basketball.
The 1989-90 campaign is referred to by many as “The Dream Season,” and for a number of reasons. Coming on the heels of their first Big East title, Jim Calhoun’s Huskies were named a No. 1 seed for the first time. They breezed through their first two games in Hartford, defeating Boston U. and Cal by a combined 44 points.
Then came a Sweet 16 matchup against a tough Clemson team, the No. 5 seed in the region. The Huskies pulled out to a 38-29 halftime lead at the Brendan Byrne Arena in New Jersey, but the Tigers fought back to lead by a point with one second left.
Even the most casual UConn fan knows what happened next. Former All-State high school quarterback Scott Burrell heaved the ball the length of the court and into the waiting hands of Tate George, who caught and shot in one motion and UConn, with a 71-70 win, was headed to the regional finals, a game away from the Final Four.
The Courant’s headline the next day simply read: “It’s Late, It’s Tate, It’s Great.”
“I think that’s the highest I’ve ever jumped,” Calhoun said after the game. “Never mind being young, old or indifferent.” Despite losing to Duke two days later, the program was on its way.
Memories of The Shot: “While I have been fortunate enough to be at UConn‘s first NCAA championship in ’99, and again in 2004, I still think being behind the basket at Brendan Byrne Arena for Tate George’s famous winning shot with 1 second left is #1! Watching Scott Burrell make that full-court, knuckle-balling pass as it eluded the Clemson defender and into the waiting hands of Tate George, who caught and shot all in one motion was incredible!”
— Robert DuBosar
Share a memory
What’s your favorite UConn March Madness memory? Whether you were in the stands or on your couch, tell us the Husky hoops story that you’re always sharing with your friends and family. We’ll take a look at our responses and run some of the best in print and online. Remember, brevity is always best, so keep it short and sweet. Send your thoughts to sports@courant.com and be sure to include your name and town.
