UConn cuts down the nets after winning the 2023 NCAA Men's National Championship

The Connecticut Huskies cut down the national championship nets after UConn defeated San Diego State in the title game. The Huskies won with their fifth national championship in program history with a 76-59 win over the Aztecs — winning all six of their tournament games by double digits.

After receiving the championship trophy, the players and coach Dan Hurley climbed the ladder for the final time this year to cut down the nets.

CUT THE NET! @UConnMBB pic.twitter.com/82lfp0pkzU

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 4, 2023

UConn cuts down the championship nets

UConn jumped out to a huge lead and held on throughout nearly the entire game, continuing their dominance from the tournament’s earlier rounds. Before the final whistle had sounded, coach Dan Hurley watched as his team carried the ball up the court with time expiring and couldn’t control his emotions for a moment as he realized they were going to win.

Hurley told his team to ease up and run out the clock, before turning to give an enthusiastic fist pump in a burst of emotion. After the win, Hurley was clearly feeling the moment as he climbed the ladder to cut down his part of the net.

Dan Hurley cutting down some nets. pic.twitter.com/IA4tyiTtkx

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 26, 2023

San Diego State fought back however, nearly managing their second double-digit comeback of the Final Four. The Aztecs trailed by 12 points at the half, falling down to as many as 15 points during the second half before mounting their comeback.

The Aztecs cut the deficit to just six with 7:37 remaining on a bucket from Darrion Trammel as part of a 12-3 run. They later got the lead down to 60-55 after a pair of free throws from Keshad Johnson.

That was as close as it would get, however, as UConn responded with nine straight points after that to bring the lead back to double digits for good. That included a huge 3-pointer from Jordan Hawkins on the possession immediately following Johnson’s free throws.

Tristen Newton and Adama Sanogo — the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player — led the way in the win to combine for 36 points and 20 rebounds. The Huskies defense was stifling as it held the Aztecs to just 19-of-58 shooting and forced 12 turnovers.