The back-to-back National Champions won’t be adding another banner to the rafters of Gampel Pavilion in Storrs. Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies gave No. 1 seed Florida everything it could handle in the West Region Round of 32 matchup but ultimately fell short 77-75, ending the program’s NCAA Tournament win-streak at 13 games.
Over UConn’s consecutive National Championship runs head coach Dan Hurley has become one of the most divisive figures in sports. His sideline antics can drive some fans crazy, and others find his constant intensity endearing. Regardless of which side you fall on, or if you’re somewhere in between, it’s a fact that fans love to see a dynastic run come to an end. So college basketball and Florida fans alike spent Sunday afternoon celebrating the end of the Huskies’ season.
Dan Hurley dumbass eliminated pic.twitter.com/ZeiTq3w9sC
— Jake (@playoffjake) March 23, 2025
Hurley’s team struggled to replace last year’s Most Outstanding Player, Tristen Newton, all season long, and ultimately without an elite shot-making point guard, the Huskies didn’t have enough offensive firepower down the stretch. Especially with First-Team All-American point guard Walter Clayton Jr. on the other side. Clayton his big shots down the stretch and finished off UConn with 23 points.
Sending Dan Hurley home in March is the best feeling.
— Barstool Florida (@UFBarstool) March 23, 2025
Hurley has plenty of haters, and this fan who invoked the hater energy of this classic meme on Sunday, may nailed the feeling of most neutral college basketball fans.
Dan Hurley & UCONN lose pic.twitter.com/etGSnNkKxn
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 23, 2025
For all of UConn’s struggles this season, the Huskies gave Florida everything it could handle in Raleigh on Sunday. Hurley’s game plan was impeccable, taking advantage of Florida’s switch-everything defensive philosophy to cause confusion, create mismatches, and spring shooters. With a physical mismatch, Hurley told CBS’s Tracy Wolfson early in the game that his team would need to hit threes to win this game, and they shot 29, but only eight went down. Alex Karaban and Solo Ball both went 2/9 from deep and freshman Liam McNeeley made two of his eight three-point attempts.
UConn and Dan Hurley losing makes this day complete, and it's not even 12pm. Thank you, Florida, for your service.
— N2 Media (@media_n2) March 23, 2025
Still, fans will focus on Hurley’s outbursts and referees and dramatic reactions on the sideline, instead of his coaching brilliance.
Ref: That’s Florida ball
— At The Buzzer (@AtTheBuzzer1) March 23, 2025
Dan Hurley on the UConn sideline: pic.twitter.com/qMEkfORwIR
UConn will be back competing for national titles under Hurley, but for now, the Hurley haters get their moment to rejoice.