UConn Coach Calls Loss 'Choke Job' After Win

Hurley criticizes team's performance in regular-season finale, but praises their response in Big East Tournament

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:33am

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After UConn's sixth-ranked men's basketball team rolled over Xavier in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals, head coach Dan Hurley was still focused on the Huskies' surprising defeat in their regular-season finale against Marquette. Hurley called the 68-62 loss a "choke job" and said he and the players endured a "brutal film session" to address the disappointing performance.

Why it matters

Hurley's strong criticism of his team's late-season loss highlights the high expectations for the Huskies, who have been a top-five team all season. The defeat cost UConn a share of the Big East regular-season title, which instead went solely to St. John's.

The details

In the postgame press conference, Hurley joked that some of his players offered to help pay the $25,000 fine he received from the Big East for unsportsmanlike conduct after being ejected in the final seconds of the Marquette game. He said the team had a tough film session on Sunday to address the loss, but noted that the players seemed to be waiting for an "angry, mad Dan" reaction that he did not give them. UConn players Solo Ball and Tarris Reed Jr. described the film session as uncomfortable, but said the team understood what happened and needed to move on.

  • UConn defeated Xavier 93-68 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • UConn lost to Marquette 68-62 in their regular-season finale on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Hurley was ejected and fined $25,000 by the Big East for unsportsmanlike conduct in the final seconds of the Marquette game on March 8, 2026.

The players

Dan Hurley

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

Solo Ball

A UConn player who led the team with 19 points in their win over Xavier.

Tarris Reed Jr.

A UConn player who had 17 points and 14 rebounds in the win over Xavier, which Hurley described as playing like "a grizzly bear for 22 minutes."

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What they’re saying

“It was great to get back on the court after the choke job over the weekend.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball (wbal.com)

“There is no difference between sad Dan or angry Dan.”

— Solo Ball, UConn Player (wbal.com)

“You're not used to it. But I feel like we all understood what happened, especially in that Marquette game that we lost, and what potentially we had to move on from.”

— Tarris Reed Jr., UConn Player (wbal.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.