UConn’s Winning Streak Ends in Disputed Loss to Memphis

Coach Dan Hurley’s Frustration Boils Over

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Dan Hurley fell. So did UConn.

Hurley, the often-fiery coach of the two-time defending national champions, was livid over an over-the-back call in the final minute of overtime in what became No. 2 UConn’s 99-97 loss to Memphis on Monday in the opening round of the Maui Invitational.

Controversial Call Leads to Technical Foul

The foul was called on UConn’s Liam McNeeley on an offensive rebound in what was a tie game with 40.3 seconds remaining. Hurley dropped to his knees and got a technical foul, and Memphis’ PJ Carter made all four free throws — two for the personal, two for the technical — to put the Tigers ahead for good.

Hurley’s Frustration Unleashed

“I had a lot of issues with what went on out there in the game,” Hurley said. “That over-the-back call at that point of the game, there was no attempt to block out. There was a player on Memphis that made a half-assed effort to rebound that basketball and Liam McNeely high-pointed that rebound. For that call to be made at that point of the game was a complete joke.”

Technical Foul Explained

Hurley then offered an explanation for his falling-to-the-floor move.

“I don’t know what happened. I might have lost my balance by the absurdity of the call, or maybe I tripped,” Hurley said. “But if I made that call at that point, I would have ignored the fact that I was on my back. If I made that call, I would have ignored that. I would have ignored that. That was a major, obviously, a major… how you could call that while that game was going on, the way that game was going on is just beyond me.”

Other Technical Fouls

Hurley’s technical was one of two that sent Memphis to the line for free throws in the game; the other was about 4 minutes into the game when a team trainer apparently said something that referees heard and didn’t like.

Coach Penny Hardaway’s Reaction

For his part, Memphis coach Penny Hardaway — who did get a handshake and warm embrace from Hurley after the game — called it the biggest win of his coaching career.

“That was back-to-back national champions, undefeated, first round of the Maui tournament,” Hardaway said. “When we first got picked to play them, I was like, ‘OK, starting off with a bang.’ I just got our team prepared. I used it as motivation.”

Conclusion

The loss snapped UConn’s 17-game winning streak dating back to last season. The Huskies will look to bounce back in their next game, while Memphis will continue to ride the momentum of their upset victory.

FAQs

Q: Why did Coach Hurley fall to the floor?

A: Coach Hurley claimed he lost his balance due to the absurdity of the call, but also said he might have tripped.

Q: What was the controversy surrounding the over-the-back call?

A: Coach Hurley believed the call was incorrect, citing that there was no attempt to block out and that the player on Memphis only made a half-assed effort to rebound the ball.

Q: How many technical fouls were called in the game?

A: Three technical fouls were called in the game, two of which were called on UConn and one on Memphis.