Kemba Walker, Connecticut survive San Diego State’s comeback bids to advance to Elite 8

Fri., March 25, 2011

Greg Beacham Associated Press

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Kemba Walker sliced up San Diego State’s defense for 22 points on shots from all angles and distances in the second half of Connecticut’s West regional semifinal.

The Aztecs only kept him down once: A shoulder bump from Jamaal Franklin sent Walker crashing to the Honda Center floor, drawing a technical foul and two momentum-killing free throws.

Walker scored 36 points in yet another dynamic postseason performance, driving UConn down the stretch Thursday night to a 74-67 victory that put the Huskies on the brink of another Final Four.

Freshman Jeremy Lamb added a season-high 24 points and hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1:43 left for the third-seeded Huskies (29-9), who are headed to an NCAA regional final for the 10th time after beating the Aztecs and a building full of hostile fans just 90 minutes from San Diego.

“I’ve never been in an environment like this,” said Lamb, perfect on three 3-pointers. “Kemba hit some big shots, I hit some big shots, and we were able to pull it out. They had a lot of fans. I’ve never played in a game like it.”

D.J. Gay scored 16 points for the Aztecs. Kawhi Leonard had 12 points and nine rebounds but never dominated inside, while Billy White added 14 points.

The Huskies will meet Arizona on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four.

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Kemba Walker, Connecticut survive San Diego State’s comeback bids to advance to Elite 8

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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