UConn Survives Duke in Instant Classic Despite Brutal Shooting Start

Huskies coach Dan Hurley stunned by 1-for-18 three-point stat in first half, but team grinds out win to reach Final Four

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with overlapping planes of blue and green hues representing the contrasting teams. The fragmented, abstract style captures the chaotic energy of the hard-fought contest.UConn's gritty victory over Duke showcases the team's mental fortitude and ability to grind out wins, even when their shots aren't falling.Indianapolis Today

The UConn Huskies overcame a historically poor shooting start against the Duke Blue Devils, going just 1-for-18 from three-point range in the first half, to grind out a hard-fought victory and advance to the Final Four. UConn head coach Dan Hurley was visibly stunned when informed of the team's abysmal three-point shooting in the early going, but his players refused to give up and eventually found a way to win the instant classic matchup.

Why it matters

UConn's ability to survive and advance despite such a dreadful shooting performance showcases the team's mental toughness and resilience, traits that will be crucial as they continue their NCAA Tournament run. The Huskies have had to overcome adversity all season, and this victory proves they can win even when their shots aren't falling.

The details

UConn started the game an unbelievable 1-for-18 from three-point range, a stat that left coach Dan Hurley in complete disbelief when informed of it during the postgame press conference. However, the Huskies refused to let the poor shooting derail their game plan, instead ramping up their defensive intensity and grinding out possessions until their shots started to fall. Little by little, UConn chipped away at Duke's lead, eventually taking control of the game in the closing minutes to secure the hard-fought victory.

  • UConn started the game 1-for-18 from three-point range in the first half.
  • The Huskies were informed of the brutal shooting stat during the postgame press conference.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who was visibly stunned when informed of his team's poor three-point shooting performance in the first half.

UConn Huskies

The NCAA Tournament-bound basketball team from the University of Connecticut, who overcame a historically bad shooting start to defeat the Duke Blue Devils and advance to the Final Four.

Duke Blue Devils

The opponent of the UConn Huskies, a perennial NCAA Tournament contender from Duke University.

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What they’re saying

“What the ____ did you just say?”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

What’s next

UConn will face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four in Indianapolis, another team that has found success through grinding out tough wins.

The takeaway

UConn's ability to overcome a historically poor shooting performance and still find a way to win showcases the mental toughness and resilience of this Huskies team. Their willingness to grind out possessions and stay engaged on defense allowed them to survive and advance, proving they can win even when their shots aren't falling.