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Creighton Today
By the People, for the People
UConn Basketball Coaches Criticize Weak Fan Turnout
Hurley and Cooley call for more enthusiasm from Huskies faithful after narrow win over Georgetown.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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Following UConn's narrow 79-75 victory over Georgetown, Huskies head coach Dan Hurley and Georgetown coach Ed Cooley both expressed disappointment with the lack of fan enthusiasm and attendance at the game. Hurley noted that the home arena should be a "madhouse" for UConn games, comparing the atmosphere to other Big East venues. Cooley was also surprised by the empty seats, saying the national champion-caliber team should sell out every home game.
Why it matters
UConn basketball is known for having one of the most passionate fanbases in college basketball, so the weak turnout for a key Big East matchup was surprising. The coaches' criticism highlights the importance of strong home-court advantage and fan support for elite programs like the Huskies.
The details
UConn narrowly defeated Georgetown 79-75 on Saturday, but the lack of fan energy in the arena was noticeable to both head coaches. Hurley said he was disappointed when Georgetown's Ed Cooley asked him about the crowd, noting that the "Basketball Capital of the World" should be a "madhouse" for UConn home games, unlike the "madhouse" environments the team faces on the road at places like Xavier, Creighton, and St. John's. Cooley also expressed surprise at the number of empty seats, saying the national championship-caliber Huskies should sell out every home game.
- The game took place on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
- UConn's next game is on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 at home against Creighton.
The players
Dan Hurley
The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, known for his passionate sideline demeanor and high expectations for his program.
Ed Cooley
The head coach of the Georgetown men's basketball team, who was surprised by the lack of fan support for the nationally-ranked UConn squad.
What they’re saying
“When I saw Ed in the pregame handshake, he asked me what was up with the crowd... it should be a madhouse when we play here at the Basketball Capital of the World.”
— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Basketball (Mid-Major Madness on X)
“When we look at the environments that we play in when we wear the UConn uniform. Xavier is a madhouse... Creighton is a madhouse... when we play St. John's in a Big East road game, that's not Storrs South anymore.”
— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Basketball (Mid-Major Madness on X)
“I was surprised there were empty seats ... You've got a national championship team, this place should be sold out every day. That actually shocked me.”
— Ed Cooley, Head Coach, Georgetown Basketball (CT Insider on X)
What’s next
The Huskies will look to push their record to 25-2 when they next take the floor on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 at home against Creighton.
The takeaway
The criticism from Hurley and Cooley highlights the importance of strong fan support and home-court advantage for elite college basketball programs like UConn. The Huskies' passionate fanbase is a key part of their identity, and the coaches expect that energy to be on full display for every home game.
