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UConn Huskies Suffer First Loss of the Season to Memphis Tigers

The University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies, the two-time defending national champions, experienced their first defeat of the 2024-25 season on Monday, succumbing to the Memphis Tigers in a thrilling overtime match during the Maui Invitational quarterfinals. The final score was 99-97 in favor of Memphis.

Coached by Penny Hardaway, Memphis managed to secure the win despite a highly emotional encounter that saw UConn’s head coach, Dan Hurley, express his frustration vocally during the game. The turning point occurred in the closing moments of overtime when Huskies forward Liam McNeely was assessed an offensive foul with just 40.3 seconds left on the clock. Hurley’s vehement reaction to the call led to a technical foul, allowing Memphis’s P.J. Carter to sink crucial free throws that extended their lead.

Hurley’s comments after the game reflected his dissatisfaction with the officiating. “I had a lot of issues with what went on out there in the game,” he stated. He targeted the controversial call on McNeely, arguing that it was unwarranted at such a critical moment. “For that call to be made at that point of the game was a complete joke,” he added, emphasizing the significance of the situation.

Following the foul call, Hurley was seen dropping to his knees, attempting to illustrate his disbelief and frustration, but he humorously noted that he might have lost his balance in the process. “If I made that call, I would have ignored the fact that I was on my back,” he remarked about the incident.

In addition to the technical foul on Hurley, UConn received two additional technical fouls during the contest: one involving a trainer early in the game and another against forward Samson Johnson after a confrontation with a Memphis player. Hurley defended Johnson, claiming that he had been unfairly treated throughout the game despite being physically manhandled, stating, “He ended the game with his jersey ripped down the center, but they get him on every call.” His frustration with the officiating was clear as he described the situation as “crazy.”

UConn, which entered the game ranked fourth nationally, saw its impressive 17-game winning streak come to an end. They are now set to face off against the Colorado Buffaloes on the losers’ side of the bracket in the Maui Invitational.

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