UConn's Hurley Avoids Rematch With Elite Eight Referee in Final Four

The official involved in a heated exchange with the Huskies coach won't be assigned to the national semifinals.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in the team colors of UConn and Illinois, conceptually representing the intensity of the upcoming Final Four matchup.The heated exchange between UConn's coach and the Elite Eight referee is avoided in the Final Four, allowing the Huskies to focus solely on their championship aspirations.Indianapolis Today

UConn coach Dan Hurley will not have to face off against referee Roger Ayers, who was involved in a controversial incident with Hurley at the end of the Huskies' Elite Eight win over Duke. Ayers, a veteran official who has worked seven previous Final Fours, was not selected to officiate the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament semifinals in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

Hurley is known for his fiery interactions with referees, having been ejected multiple times in his career for confrontations. The heated exchange between Hurley and Ayers at the end of the Duke game went viral, leaving many questions unanswered about what exactly transpired. Ayers' absence from the Final Four means Hurley will avoid a potential rematch and further drama with the official.

The details

In the final moments of UConn's comeback victory over Duke in the Elite Eight, Hurley came face-to-face and bumped heads with Ayers in an odd exchange. While the interaction appeared to warrant a technical foul, Ayers did not call one. UConn went on to win the game and advance to the Final Four, their third trip in four years under Hurley's leadership.

  • UConn defeated Duke in the Elite Eight on March 29, 2026.
  • The NCAA announced the officials for the 2026 Final Four on March 31, 2026.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies men's basketball team, known for his fiery interactions with officials.

Roger Ayers

A veteran NCAA basketball referee who has officiated seven previous Final Fours, including last year's tournament.

Braylon Mullins

The UConn player who hit the game-winning 3-pointer to defeat Duke in the Elite Eight.

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What’s next

UConn will play Illinois in the Final Four on April 5, 2026. The winner will advance to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Hurley's avoidance of a potential rematch with Ayers in the Final Four removes a potential distraction and sideline drama, allowing the Huskies to focus solely on their quest for a third national title in four years under Hurley's leadership.