UConn’s historic 13-game NCAA tournament winning streak came to an end on Sunday as the Huskies fell to top-seeded Florida 77-75. The loss was a tough pill for coach Dan Hurley to swallow, who praised his team’s efforts despite ultimately falling short.
The Huskies dominated much of the game, leading by as much as four points in the second half. However, it was Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. who made the decisive plays down the stretch. His two late three-pointers sealed the win for the Gators and gave Hurley no choice but to accept defeat.
Hurley reflected on the game, acknowledging that his team had given themselves a real chance to win despite ultimately falling short. He credited Clayton’s impressive shooting, which included two NBA-level three-pointers off the dribble, as a major factor in Florida’s victory.
The loss marked not only the end of UConn’s winning streak but also Hurley’s own emotional journey. The coach admitted that he had struggled with perspective and ego over the past year, having led the team to back-to-back championships.
“This loss represents more than just the end of our season,” Hurley said. “It’s a reminder that you’re not invincible and that every game is an opportunity for growth and improvement.”
Despite the disappointment, Hurley remained positive, acknowledging the accomplishments of his team and expressing his support for Florida in their quest to make a deep run in the tournament.
“I want to see my guys succeed,” he said. “We can take solace in what we’ve accomplished, but today was a tough pill to swallow.”
The loss marked a turning point for Hurley, who vowed to refocus on his team’s preparation and make better decisions as a coach. As UConn begins the offseason, Hurley is already looking forward to a fresh start and the opportunity to shape his team into a competitive force once again.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44373490/florida-ends-uconn-three-beat-bid-comeback-win