UConn Coach Hurley Taunts Ref After Game-Winning Shot

Heated exchange nearly costs Huskies a crucial victory

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:25pm

An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the intense emotion and energy of a basketball coach arguing passionately with a referee on the sideline.A coach's fiery outburst nearly overshadows his team's dramatic game-winning shot.Storrs Today

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley had a heated exchange with a referee immediately after star player Braylon Mullins hit a game-winning shot, nearly costing the Huskies the victory due to a technical foul.

Why it matters

Hurley is known for his fiery sideline demeanor, but his confrontation with the official threatened to overshadow a dramatic win for the Huskies, who are in the midst of a deep tournament run.

The details

With the game tied in the final seconds, Mullins hit a clutch shot to give UConn the lead. Hurley then rushed the court and got in the face of the nearest referee, appearing to taunt him. The officials reviewed the play and determined Hurley's actions warranted a technical foul, which could have allowed the opposing team to tie the game, but they ultimately did not assess the penalty.

  • The game-winning shot by Braylon Mullins occurred in the final seconds of the contest.
  • Hurley's confrontation with the referee took place immediately after Mullins' shot fell.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, known for his intense sideline demeanor.

Braylon Mullins

A star player for UConn who hit the game-winning shot in the final seconds of the contest.

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What they’re saying

“How about them apples?”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball

What’s next

The NCAA will likely review the incident and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted for Hurley's actions.

The takeaway

Hurley's fiery personality has been both a blessing and a curse for UConn, as his passion has helped drive the team's success but also occasionally led to costly outbursts. This latest incident serves as a reminder that Hurley must find a way to channel that intensity in a more constructive manner, especially during the high-stakes tournament environment.