Daniels sparks UConn to 63-53 upset of Florida

The last time UConn faced Florida, the Huskies needed a game-winning jump shot from Shabazz Napier as time expired to eke out a one-point victory.

The rematch on a bigger stage four months later wasn't nearly as dramatic.
DeAndre Daniels scored a game-high 20 points as UConn stormed back from a double-digit first-half deficit, seized control early in the second half and upset national title favorite Florida 63-53 in the first of Saturday's two national semifinals. The seventh-seeded Huskies will try for their fourth national championship since 1999 on Monday night against either Kentucky or Wisconsin.

That UConn is one win away from a fourth national championship is remarkable considering the mess Kevin Ollie inherited when he took over for Jim Calhoun in Sept. 2012. Four of the six best players from the previous year's underachieving team had already either turned pro early or transferred and the remaining two were also considering leaving because of Calhoun's sudden retirement and a one-year postseason ban handed down by the NCAA.

If re-recruiting standout guards Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boatright was Ollie's first big accomplishment, his second was motivating his team to give a consistent effort every night despite being ineligible for the postseason. UConn exceeded modest expectations by winning 20 games last year, a significant feat that paved the way for a 31-win season this year that has further reaffirmed the program won't slip under Ollie despite the uncertain period following Calhoun's retirement.

Florida's first loss since Dec. 2 cost Billy Donovan a chance to further enhance his legacy by capturing a third national title. The only coaches with three or more championships are John Wooden (10), Adolph Rupp (4), Mike Krzyzewski (4), Bob Knight (3) and Jim Calhoun (3).

It appeared unlikely UConn would pose much of a challenge for Florida 11 minutes into the game when the Huskies had three times as many turnovers as baskets and trailed 16-4. UConn responded with poise and tenacity, however, sinking eight of 12 shots to close the half and taking a three-point lead into the break. That lead reached nine on a Napier pull-up 3-pointer minutes into the second half, capping a methodical 27-6 run that switched control of the game from the Gators to the Huskies.

Florida was able to keep Napier from dominating by blitzing ball screens and not biting on his head fakes in the lane, but the UConn guard still finished with 12 points, six assists and three boards. He also had plenty of help from Daniels, Boatright and Niels Giffey, who combined for 44 points.

Florida's offensive struggles demonstrated the dangers of a team without first-round NBA-level talent getting too reliant on attacking one-on-one. The Gators had one assist after their opening two baskets and had few players consistently able to create their own shot.

They couldn't generate clean looks at the rim against UConn's swarming defense. They didn't sink enough of their 3-point shots via kickout passes. And after the opening 11 minutes, they no longer forced enough turnovers to create many transition chances.

The little success Florida did have on offense came via Casey Prather slashing to the rim and Patric Young overpowering smaller UConn big men in the post. They finished with 15 and 19 points respectively, helping keep the Gators in striking distance.

It was all for naught though as the Huskies held their ground late to move one game away from a national title.