NEW YORK -- The outcome of Monday's Empire Classic title game between No. 5 UConn and No. 15 Texas wasn't in doubt when Cam Spencer stepped to the line with 41 seconds left and the Huskies leading by eight.
But the reigning national champions had their eyes on something bigger -- and for that, Spencer's free throws were imperative.
The Rutgers transfer hit both free throws, then hit two more 10 seconds later and UConn came out with an 81-71 win over the Longhorns.
It was UConn's 22nd straight win over a nonconference opponent by a double-digit margin, dating back to the start of last season and including the Huskies' dominant run through the NCAA tournament.