UConn downs Ohio State in ’99

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:

Men

March 27: UConn 64, Ohio State 58

This was the game before the game that everyone remembers, the national title game classic in which UConn took out heavily-favored Duke, 77-74. But it was just as important on the Huskies’ run to the title. Ohio State reached the national semis after knocking off Ron Artest and St. John’s in the Elite Eight– incidentally, the last time the Red Storm advanced to the tournament’s second weekend before this March. Richard Hamilton scored 24, Khalid El-Amin had 18 and the Huskies outlasted Michael Redd, Scoonie Penn and the Buckeyes in a hard-fought battle to advance to the title game.

Also on this date:

UConn men end the Cinderella run of No. 8 Alabama in the 2004 Elite Eight, thumping the Crimson Tide 87-71 en route to the Final Four. The Huskies were dominant that season, winning every game outside of the national semis against Duke by double digits.

Our readers weigh in

2024, the greatest run ever: “I know it’s recent, but the 30-0 run (against Illinois in the 2024 Elite 8) was incredible. There were great moments before that, but I wasn’t old enough to appreciate it. Something never done in a game of that magnitude! It was the moment I, and the world, realized this team was going to win the ‘Natty,’ its sixth … again! The lasting image of (Alex) Karaban hanging on the rim, to end the run, just before a (timeout), will never leave my mind. And, because of the player, the team, and the circumstances, that’s exactly the way it should be.”

— Trevor Ladd, Old Saybrook

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.