The last stretch of games has been anything but predictable for the UConn Huskies. Even head coach Dan Hurley couldn’t ignore the turbulence that has defined Big East play for the defending back-to-back champions. They have struggled, going just 6-5 in their last 11 games.
Dan Hurley’s UConn’s Struggles in Big East Play
Hurley acknowledged the stress of this rough stretch, as highlighted in a social media post that quoted him speaking about his anxiety level in a recent game.
“This run of games we’ve had…I can’t imagine what our fans have gone through. I know what my nerves are like. My f***ing Oura ring is ready to explode,” Hurley said of his fitness appliance that tracks his biometrics.
Though UConn’s record has raised concerns, their past performance suggests they shouldn’t be counted out. In the 2022–23 championship season, the Huskies had seven conference losses and didn’t win the Big East Tournament but still secured a national title.
However, this situation is different. Hurley has built a dominant program, and fans are used to success. The recent need to rally from a 14-point deficit against unranked Villanova—following a loss to Seton Hall—has only added to the worries.
Even before that, UConn had to overcome a double-digit gap against a struggling DePaul team. The road to a third straight title won’t be easy.
UConn Faces a Tough Test at Madison Square Garden
The last time UConn played at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the Huskies left victorious. Hurley secured his 300th career win, the team extended its winning streak in New York to 10 games, and they notched their fourth straight victory of the season.
But now, as they prepare to return for a crucial matchup against a top-10 St. John’s team, the stakes are high. Hurley and his team are looking for redemption and hoping to steady their season ahead of conference tournaments next month.
Duke Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer recently shared his perspective on the upcoming game during an episode of “The Field of 68: After Dark” podcast.
“It’s a big weekend,” he said. “And just from what I’ve heard, it is a big game in college basketball in the history of the ‘Garden’ with the interest and turnout.”
UCONN DAN: Everything Dan Hurley Said After UConn’s 14-Point Comeback vs. Villanova
Set for Sunday at noon ET, the game is expected to draw a full crowd of 19,812 fans. St. John’s enters with an impressive 23-4 record and a 14-2 mark in Big East play.
In their previous meeting this season, St. John’s edged out UConn with a 68-62 road win, exposing the Huskies’ inconsistencies. UConn has since dropped two of its last five games, but its latest win gives it some momentum heading into this high-profile matchup.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
