During a heated postgame news conference, UConn coach Dan Hurley expressed his frustrations regarding a pivotal foul called against forward Liam McNeeley during a closely contested game against Memphis. The foul, which came in the dying moments of overtime with the score tied, resulted in a technical foul for Hurley as he vehemently protested the decision made by referee Pat Driscoll.
Hurley’s disappointment was evident when he commented on the foul’s legitimacy, stating that Memphis players made little effort to properly contest the rebound. “That was a joke. I just watched it,” he remarked. Following the technical foul, Memphis converted four critical free throws, allowing them to take a 96-92 lead, which ultimately contributed to UConn’s 99-97 defeat.
The loss marked the end of UConn’s impressive 17-game winning streak. Hurley also recounted an earlier technical foul assessed to a UConn medical trainer, which he believed set a negative tone for the game. In addition, he highlighted a double technical called on player Samson Johnson, whose frustration with the officiating was exacerbated as he was repeatedly fouled throughout the match.
Despite the controversial officiating and his team’s struggles, Hurley emphasized that UConn needed to match Memphis’ physicality, a sentiment echoed by player Alex Karaban, who acknowledged the challenges faced by the team.
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway reflected on the significance of the victory, calling it the biggest win of his coaching career against a formidable opponent. The game serves as a reminder of the fierce competition inherent in college basketball, while also highlighting the fine line between victory and defeat in high-pressure situations.
Moving forward, UConn can use this experience as motivation to improve their game and learn to adapt to varying officiating styles, setting them up for potential success in future matchups.