The 2023 NCAA Men's Final Four concluded with UConn securing the national championship, but the journey to that moment defined the season. Understanding who won the final four last year requires looking beyond the single game to analyze the teams, the stakes, and the legacy of the tournament.
The Road to the Semifinals
Entering the 2023 NCAA Tournament, UConn established itself as the team to beat, boasting a young superstar in Adama Sanogo and a balanced roster that dominated from Connecticut. Their path was relatively clear, while other contenders like Miami, FAU, and Baylor had to navigate treacherous brackets filled with upsets and buzzer-beaters to even reach the elite eight.
Final Four Matchups
The official matchups for the 2023 Final Four were set following the Elite Eight results. On one side stood the University of Connecticut Huskies, representing the overwhelming consensus favorite from the East Region. On the other, the Miami Hurricanes emerged as the surprise team from the Southeast, having defeated powerhouse Alabama and Creighton to punch their ticket to Indianapolis.
The First Semifinal: UConn vs. FAU
The first semifinal showcased the contrast between established excellence and burgeoning talent. UConn controlled the game from start to finish, utilizing superior size and ball movement to dismantle the Florida Atlantic Owls. Sanogo was a force in the paint, and the Huskies advanced to the championship game with a performance that signaled their title credentials.
The Second Semifinal: Miami vs. UMass
The night’s other semifinal delivered high drama as the Miami Hurricanes battled the UMass Minutemen in a classic. The game swung back and forth, with Miami relying on clutch shooting and veteran leadership to edge out a narrow victory. This win propelled the Hurricanes into the final, setting up the narrative of the underdog challenging the favorite.
The Championship Game
The final game on March 27, 2023, pitted the high-powered UConn program against the scrappy Miami Hurricanes. UConn’s offensive prowess and defensive pressure proved too much to overcome on the night. The Huskies built a lead they would not relinquish, securing the win and the program’s fifth national title in school history.
Key Takeaways and Legacy
While Miami provided a strong challenge, the answer to "who won the final four last year" is definitively the University of Connecticut. The 2023 tournament reinforced the Huskies' status as a college basketball dynasty in the making. Their victory served as a reminder of the depth and talent within their program, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
