Dan Hurley reacts to 300-win milestone as UConn defeats Gonzaga at MSG
The UConn Huskies defeated Gonzaga Bulldogs 77-71 on Saturday at MSG, which marked the 300th win for Dan Hurley in his head coaching career. Connecticut started the game with a 13-2 run but was only ahead 43-40 at the half. As Gonzaga bounced back to even the score at 55, the Huskies went on a 10-0 run, regaining the momentum of the game.
After the game, UConn’s X handle congratulated the coach for his 300th win through a graphic post. In less than an hour, Dan Hurley responded to reflect on the significance of the win.
"And to do it at the Mecca/Storrs South….🐺💙," Hurley wrote.
UConn’s games, both men’s and women’s basketball, attract a massive crowd to the New York arenas. It is one of the reasons that Hurley’s roster played five games in MSG last season. the midtown Manhattan venue is also closer to Hurley's home Jersey City.
With the Empire Classic, Jimmy V Classic, 2024 Big East tourney and the Basketball Hall of Fame Series against Gonzaga, Dan Hurley’s Huskies remain undefeated (8-0) at MSG. This year, the Huskies only play one more regular season game at MSG. They face the St. John's Red Strom on Feb. 23 for a Big East matchup.
Hurley coached for eight years combined at Wagner and Rhode Island before being handed the Huskies’ reins in 2018. He has amassed a 149-61 record with UConn and a 300-166 overall head coaching record.
Dan Hurley commends his team for the win despite the struggles
After the game, Dan Hurley praised his team's ability to stick together and do the necessary extra bits.
"To be able to beat a team of that caliber with Alex having a bad shooting game," Hurley said. "Solo being in foul trouble and having a bad shooting game, I think it speaks to the makeup of these players. They're the magic dust."
Solo Ball found himself in early foul trouble with quick three fouls. Meanwhile, Samson Johnson only logged in six minutes. With nearly 12 minutes in the half, Johnson fell on the floor during an attempt to block a shot and lying motionless briefly. The nature of his injury is yet to be revealed.
Moreover, alongside Solo Ball's 2 of 7 shooting, Alex Karaban also struggled as he converted just 3 of 10 shooting (0 of 7 from 3-point line). Amid their struggles, Liam McNeeley stepped up with 26 points.