“Jarring week, knocked us on our butt”: Dan Hurley makes honest admission about UConn’s embarrassing exit from Maui Invitational

UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley gave his honest feedback about the team's embarrassing exit from the Maui Invitational after they lost 85-67 to Dayton Flyers in the seventh-place game Wednesday night. Hurley admitted to being humbled by the defeat, which concluded a three-game losing streak for UConn.

Hurley is no stranger to stabilizing ships during his time at UConn, leading the Huskies to a school-record 37 wins in the 2023-24 season and a second national title after struggling in his first three seasons with the program.

Hurley faced the media after the Huskies' 99-45 victory over UMES Saturday. During the postgame news conference, Hurley was quick to address the three straight losses at the Maui Invitational.

"The psyche from the monster that this staff and these players have created in the program, it's a jarring week,” Hurley said. "It was a humbling week that knocked us on our butt pretty good.”

Hurley alluded to travel fatigue playing a part in UConn's losing streak.

“I think that this was a quick turnaround from such a long trip. It was good to be able to have guys see the ball go in, have some success,” Hurley said.

Looking ahead, Hurley said he is relishing the opportunity of facing high-level competition. UConn gets to play Baylor (Dec. 4), Texas (Dec. 8) and Gonzaga (Dec. 14) to test itself and re-establish its status as a title challenger.

Hurley pleads with fans for “grace” and "patience”

The Huskies snapped their winless streak after they swept aside Maryland Eastern Shore 99-45 Saturday. After getting back to winning ways, Hurley said fans will need to give this group some time to look like a contender.

“I just want to thank the fans,” Hurley said. “We’re gonna need grace and we’re gonna need patience and just incredible support from our fans and the crowd, also external on social media. This team is a work in progress.”

“So many young guys that have moved into much bigger roles, or are playing for the first time, or just got here," Hurley said. "Guys that are carrying the weight of the monster program, and I think we’ve earned that from the fans from what we’ve given them the last two years.”