In a thrilling matchup at the Maui Invitational, No. 2 UConn faced a heart-wrenching defeat against Memphis, losing 99-97 in overtime. The game was highlighted by a controversial foul call on UConn’s Liam McNeeley that infuriated head coach Dan Hurley. The pivotal moment arrived when the score was tied at 92 late in overtime. Hurley’s frustration with the officiating led to a technical foul after he fell to the floor in disbelief over the call, which ultimately allowed Memphis to secure a 96-92 lead with just over 40 seconds left.
After the game, Hurley voiced his displeasure regarding the foul call, stating it was ridiculous and criticizing the officiating during the final moments. “That was a joke. I just watched it. For that call to be made at that point of the game was a complete joke,” he said, expressing disbelief that such a crucial decision could impact the game’s outcome.
The technical foul added to UConn’s mounting frustrations throughout the game, which also included an earlier technical assessed to a team trainer and another call that led to the ejection of player Samson Johnson midway through overtime. UConn’s 17-game winning streak ended with this loss, marking a significant setback for the defending champions.
Despite the intense emotions on the court, Memphis coach Penny Hardaway celebrated what he considered the most significant victory of his coaching career. He highlighted the occasion with excitement, as Memphis had faced a challenging opponent that turned out to be a substantial motivator for his team.
UConn’s players recognized the physical nature of the game and acknowledged their struggle to match Memphis’s toughness. “We just had to match their toughness, and for most of the game we didn’t. That’s just on us,” said player Alex Karaban.
As UConn reflects on this hard-fought loss, they will surely take valuable lessons into their next games, presenting an opportunity for growth and resilience moving forward. Fans can remain hopeful that the defending champions will bounce back and continue to demonstrate their competitive spirit in future matchups.
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where every possession can carry significant weight, and the outcome often hinges on crucial moments and calls.