UConn HC Dan Hurley finally confronts viral anger issue videos after dismantling MD Eastern: "Aren't used to seeing such a fierce competitor"

After a string of stunning losses in the Maui Invitational in Hawaii, Dan Hurley and the No. 2 UConn Huskies put their struggles behind them and eased past the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks 99-45 on Saturday night.

Hurley, known for his animated reactions on the sidelines, garnered huge attention for his behavior during the Huskies' losses to Memphis, Colorado and Dayton. He frequently yelled profane remarks at referees, ignored coaching box boundaries and visibly expressed his frustration.

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Dan Hurley addressed the viral videos of his antics head-on after the blowout win.

"That was so stunning to people that maybe aren't used to seeing such a fierce competitor," the coach said.

The Huskies went to the Maui Invitational with a 4-0 record and left the island 4-3, marking their worst start to a season in the Dan Hurley era.

They faced Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers in the first game and lost 99-97 in overtime before falling to Colorado 72-73 in a tight contest and stumbling against Dayton 85-67.

During the Memphis game, Hurley strongly disagreed with a key call in the final minute of overtime. With the score tied at 92, UConn's Liam McNeeley was called for an over-the-back offensive foul while going for a rebound, which did not sit well with Hurley.

"That was a joke," he said of the call. "There was a player on Memphis that made a half-a** effort to rebound that basketball and Liam McNeeley high-pointed that rebound. For that call to be made at that point of the game was a complete joke."

Dan Hurley calls for patience from fans amid team's new challenges ahead

Dan Hurley acknowledged that his team has been facing new challenges, with the losses showing they have plenty of room for improvement. He urged fans to be patient as UConn navigates its difficult start after the Maryland Eastern Shore game.

"We are going to need grace and patience and just incredible support from our fans and our crowd, not just those in attendance, but also externally and on social media," Hurley said.

"We have earned that from our fans with what we have given our fans the last two years,” he added. "If we want to get to the type of team and program we have been the last couple of years, we have to continue to shore those things up. But it is nice to put this incredibly long week behind us."

Dan Hurley's UConn Huskies host another ranked opponent No. 17 Baylor next on Wednesday in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.