HOUSTON — The San Diego State Aztecs' magical, history-defying run has come to an end, but not before they etched their names into college basketball legend. In the program's first-ever National Championship game appearance, SDSU fell to the UConn Huskies 76-59 on Monday night, concluding a season that united a city.
The scoreline belies the grit shown by Brian Dutcher's squad. Trailing by double digits, the Aztecs clawed their way back to within five points late in the second half, leaning on their trademark suffocating defense. But UConn's offensive firepower ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Coach Dutcher, fighting back emotion, told reporters he reminded his players not to let one night define a season. They won 32 games, reached the Final Four, and hit a buzzer-beater to get there. These young men, he said, are champions in every way that matters.
The Road to Houston
The 2023 tournament will be remembered for the "San Diego State buzzer beater heard 'round the world"—Lamont Butler's jump shot to defeat Florida Atlantic in the Final Four. That moment, along with victories over top-seed Alabama and Creighton, showcased a team that refused to quit.
Back in San Diego, watch parties at Viejas Arena and Petco Park were packed to capacity. The "I Believe That We Will Win" chant became the soundtrack of the spring.
While the trophy stays in Connecticut, the pride returns to Montezuma Mesa. SDSU has arrived as a national powerhouse.