UConn head coach Dan Hurley has been on top of the college basketball world for the past two seasons. They came into this year with high expectations yet again. However, this year has been more of a roller coaster. The team is 17-8 overall and 9-5 in the conference. While they should still make the NCAA Tournament, they will by no means be the favorite for a third straight title. This season’s struggles were on full display in the upset loss to 7-18 Seton Hall on Saturday afternoon. After the game, Hurley stated the team got what they deserved.
UConn HC Dan Hurley Credits Seton Hall
Seton Hall stormed back twice in the game. Late in the second half, UConn held a 55-48 lead, but the Pirates mounted a comeback to force overtime. In the extra period, it looked like the Huskies would escape with a win, leading 68-63 with less than a minute to go. A Scotty Middleton put-back won the game at the last second, sealing the upset win for Seton Hall. Hurley credited head coach Shaheen Holloway while also lamenting late-game mistakes.
“I feel like in the end we got what we deserved. Credit Seton Hall, credit Shaheen. Should’ve won it in regulation, should’ve won it in overtime. Just did a lot of things that make you look like you’re a poorly coached team.”
“I felt like it was justice today because they deserved to win. But credit Shaheen and credit their guys for fighting back at the end of regulation and fighting back at the end of overtime.”
Collapses like this are always concerning. The final minutes are when teams lock-in, and the elite teams finish off inferior opponents, especially on the road. It speaks to some gaps in the coaching with this team. Hurley has not been on top of his game this season with the Huskies having many gaffes in the final minutes that lead to losses. If the Huskies are going to make noise in the Big East Tournament, they need to start finishing off games.
Theme Of The Season
Unranked opponents have been a problem for UConn this season. They have lost to Creighton, Villanova, and Xavier in recent weeks, leading to many questions about what this team can do in the postseason. Another theme of the season has been plenty of outbursts by Dan Hurley. The head coach has gone viral multiple times for his profanity-laden rants to refs in upset losses. His antics have drawn the criticism of many.
Last offseason, Hurley was being recruited by the Los Angeles Lakers, but he decided to stay with the Huskies. While he probably doesn’t regret the decision, given his contract extension, this season has not been as smooth as the last two. UConn only lost 11 games total over the past two seasons. They have almost matched that total this year. Still, the beauty of a one-and-done tournament means getting hot at the right time can make all the difference. If the Huskies can get everything to click, they could make a run. They are running out of time, and hopefully, an upset loss to Seton Hall is the wake-up call they need.
