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UConn advances to Women’s Final Four in thriller vs. NC State: College basketball media reacts

By Cody Williams

BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 28: Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts after a play during the first half against the NC State Wolfpack in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Elite 8 Round at Total Mortgage Arena on March 28, 2022 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 28: Paige Bueckers #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts after a play during the first half against the NC State Wolfpack in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Elite 8 Round at Total Mortgage Arena on March 28, 2022 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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UConn is heading to its unreal 14th straight Final Four in the Women’s NCAA Tournament after outlasting NC State in a double-OT thriller.

The stage was set coming into Monday night for the Women’s NCAA Tournament for an absolutely titanic showdown. In one corner was the UConn Huskies, resurgent after the return of Paige Bueckers and looking to make a wild 14th consecutive trip to the Final Four. On the other side was the No. 1 seed in the region, the NC State Wolfpack, eyeing their first Final Four trip since 1998.

Everything about the Elite Eight matchup delivered on the hype. UConn jumped out to a double-digit lead early but NC State consistently chipped away at it. Midway through the fourth quarter, they took the lead and seemed to be taking control. With a phenomenal performance from Bueckers, though, the Huskies forced overtime.

In the extra frame, the Huskies were ahead by three points with just a few seconds on the clock after a couple of clutch free throws. But Jakia Brown-Turner wouldn’t be denied as she got a look in the corner to tie it up and force double-overtime.

The NC State contingent just didn’t have enough for yet another comeback, though. UConn took control and, with a late bucket, they sealed the 91-87 victory and put a bow on an absolutely phenomenal game.

UConn women punch ticket to Final Four in double-OT thriller vs. NC State: College basketball media reactions

This instant classic had the college hoops world simply standing and applauding at an unbelievable game between two great teams.

As you’d expect, there were some people who were less than thrilled at the notion of UConn, the No. 2 seed in the region, essentially getting to play a home game in Bridgeport against the No. 1-seeded Wolfpack.

But at the end of the day, basketball fans should just be glad to get to witness such a game. Both in the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments, we’ve seen some unreal stories and games. This one, however, might’ve just jumped right to the top of that list.

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