Defending Champion Falls to Tennessee
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — With Khalid El-Amin hobbled by a sprained ankle, the predictable happened: Defending NCAA champion Connecticut was eliminated Sunday in the second round of the NCAA South Regional by Tennessee, 65-51.
“First of all, let me call it like it is: They are not the same team without Khalid El-Amin,” Tennessee Coach Jerry Green said.
El-Amin started and played a little more than 13 minutes but was not effective. He scored three points and had one assist.
Connecticut (25-10) finished with only four team assists. “We depend on Khalid’s energy so much,” Connecticut Coach Jim Calhoun said. “Khalid is the head of the dragon.”
Tony Harris led Tennessee (26-6) with 18 points on four-for-11 shooting.
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