UConn's Hurley Asks Rival Fans to Unite for Sweet 16
In a rare moment of college basketball unity, UConn coach Dan Hurley is calling on bitter rivals to cheer for each other. The goal? Set up an Epic Eight showdown between two Big East powerhouses.
Bitter rivals don't usually ask fans to become best friends, but UConn coach Dan Hurley is doing exactly that ahead of Friday's Sweet 16 games.
Hurley has made an unusual plea to Huskies fans: root for St. John's against top-seeded Duke. If both Big East teams win their games Friday night in Washington, they'll face each other Sunday in the Elite Eight with a Final Four berth on the line.
"I think we've got to support each other," Hurley said, acknowledging the brutal social media battles between the fan bases. "We have to try to come together Friday night against our opponent so we can have a bloodbath on Sunday."
The request comes after an intense season between the schools. St. John's, the reigning two-time Big East champion, won two of three meetings this year against UConn, including a stunning 20-point victory in the conference tournament title game.
UConn started strong at 22-1 but stumbled down the stretch with a 7-4 record to close the regular season. The two-time defending national champions (2023 and 2024) bounced back with convincing tournament wins over Furman and UCLA to reach their 17th Sweet 16.
St. John's coach Rick Pitino and his Red Storm will take the court first Friday against Duke. Immediately after, Hurley and the Huskies face Michigan State on the same floor.
Why This Inspires
Hurley's call for unity highlights what makes college basketball special. In a sport often defined by fierce rivalries and trash talk, two coaches and their programs recognize they're part of something bigger.
The potential Elite Eight matchup represents a crowning moment for the Big East conference. Both teams have proven they belong among the nation's elite, and a Sunday showdown would give the conference a guaranteed spot in the Final Four.
If both teams advance, the arena could transform into a mini Madison Square Garden. Fans who spent all season hurling insults at each other online would pack the same building, creating an electric atmosphere that only March Madness can deliver.
For one night, enemies become allies, all for the chance to become enemies again with everything on the line.
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Based on reporting by ESPN
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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