Lamont Butler hit the best basket in San Diego State history, and the Aztecs reached the college basketball finals for the first time in history.
UConn dominated another NCAA Tournament rival to regain national prominence.
The Aztecs and Huskies will play for the national title on Monday night, looking to make history.
For San Diego State (32-6), it will be the culmination of work begun by Steve Fisher and continued by Brian Dutcher, his assistant for years.
UConn (30-8) will be seeking its fifth national title since 1999 and its first since Dan Hurley was hired to revive the team.
The Aztecs have achieved the miracle with defensive work.
San Diego State held down three straight opponents in the NCAA tournament and relied on its defense in the second half to rally from a 14-point deficit. Thus ruined Florida Atlantic’s first experience in the Final Four round.
Butler dressed as a hero, scoring just as the buzzer sounded. San Diego prevailed 72-71 and unleashed a wild celebration.
Instead, the Huskies looked dominant.
UConn won its first four NCAA Tournament games by at least 15 points, and spoiled Miami’s first Final Four appearance, dominating the Hurricanes on both ends of the floor to win 72-59.
