The 2024 Maui Invitational saw a classic matchup last night when reigning two-time NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions and the No. 2 ranked men’s basketball team in the nation, the UConn Huskies, were stunned by the Memphis Tigers 99-97 in OT during the quarterfinals of the invitational.
The game got heated towards the end of regulation, where cameras caught Huskies head coach Dan Hurley screaming profanity aimed at Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway during a controversial matchup.
Did Dan Hurley just say “Yo Bitch Ass” to Penny Hardaway? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hELy2CVmm9
— Sir B. Terrell (@itsBTerrell) November 25, 2024
This was an intense game, with Hurley’s Huskies coming into this game on a multi-season 17-game winning streak which was snapped by Hardaway. The game became extra controversial due to a referee call in OT where UConn’s Liam McNeeley was called for a foul on an offensive rebound when the game was tied with 40.3 seconds remaining.
Hurley’s protests to the call got him a technical foul, which led to Memphis’ PJ Carter making four free throws — two for the personal, two for the technical — to ensure the Tigers would emerge victorious in this clash.
Dan Hurley has been cussing out the refs the entire game and FINALLY gets called for a technical foul.
Just significantly hurt his team, as Memphis now leads #2 UConn 96-92 with 40 seconds left.
Can’t stand this fool.🤦♂️ https://t.co/dzohB9sOIV pic.twitter.com/opHy8pg05Y
— Hitmen Hoops (@HitmenHoops) November 25, 2024
Hurley would slam the decision in his post-game comments.
“I had a lot of issues with what went on out there in the game. 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.”
Even with the reported fire shown by Hurlet towards Hardaway, the former NBA All-Star made it clear that this win over Hurley and the Huskies is the biggest of his college coaching career.
“That was back-to-back national champions. I’m actually not taking any of this for granted, because I know how hard it is to win, and especially beat a team like that.”
The former Lakers head coaching target will have to make sure his team licks their wounds from this high-profile loss and come back stronger for their next game against the Colorado Buffaloes. While they likely won’t pose the kind of threat the firing Tigers did, the Huskies can’t take any wins for granted anymore after seeing their 17-game win streak be snapped by Memphis.
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