UConn Coach Dan Hurley Reflects on Championship Loss to Michigan

Hurley praises opponent after falling short of third title in four seasons.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and white representing the competing teams and the intensity of the championship matchup.UConn's quest for a historic third title in four seasons falls short against a determined Michigan squad.Storrs Today

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley expressed respect for his team's opponent after the Huskies fell short in their bid for a third national championship in four seasons, a feat that would have been unprecedented in the modern college game.

Why it matters

Hurley has built UConn into a national powerhouse again after taking over a struggling program, and the Huskies' run to the title game this year further cemented their status as an elite program. However, the loss is a disappointment for a team that had its sights set on making history.

The details

UConn lost to Michigan in the national championship game on Monday night, denying Hurley and the Huskies a chance to win their third title in four seasons. It would have been an unheard-of accomplishment in the modern era of college basketball.

  • UConn lost to Michigan in the national championship game on Monday night (April 7, 2026).

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, who has led the Huskies to two national championships in his first three seasons.

UConn Huskies

The men's basketball team from the University of Connecticut, which has emerged as a national powerhouse under Hurley's leadership.

Michigan

The University of Michigan men's basketball team, which defeated UConn in the 2026 national championship game.

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What they’re saying

“I have a great deal of respect for the men that we compete against in the arena. We battled. They won.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

The takeaway

Despite the disappointment of falling short of a historic third title in four seasons, Hurley and the Huskies have established UConn as one of the elite programs in college basketball once again, setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.