UConn Coach Dan Hurley Fined $25K for Conduct in Loss at Marquette

Hurley received two technical fouls and was ejected in the final seconds of the game.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley was fined $25,000 by the Big East Conference for unsportsmanlike conduct during his team's 68-62 loss to Marquette on Saturday. Hurley was ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls for protesting a missed foul call in the final seconds. The Big East said Hurley "failed to leave the court in a timely manner" after his ejection, but a review could not confirm if he made physical contact with the official.

Why it matters

Hurley's ejection and subsequent fine highlight the high standards of sportsmanlike conduct expected from coaches in the Big East Conference. The incident also impacted the final outcome of the game, as Marquette was able to extend its lead with free throws after Hurley's ejection.

The details

With Marquette leading 64-62 in the final seconds, UConn's Silas Demary Jr. attempted a contested jumper that the UConn coaching staff felt should have been ruled a foul. Hurley protested the no-call to official John Gaffney, receiving two technical fouls and being ejected from the game. Marquette's Chase Ross then made four free throws, including the technical foul shots, to seal the 68-62 victory for the Golden Eagles.

  • The incident occurred in the final seconds of the March 4, 2026 game between UConn and Marquette.
  • Hurley was fined by the Big East Conference on March 8, 2026, just hours after the game.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, who was ejected from the game against Marquette and subsequently fined $25,000 by the Big East Conference for unsportsmanlike conduct.

John Gaffney

The game official who called the two technical fouls on Hurley, leading to his ejection from the game.

Chase Ross

The Marquette player who made four free throws, including the technical foul shots, to seal the 68-62 victory for the Golden Eagles after Hurley's ejection.

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What they’re saying

“You could screenshot whatever you want to screenshot. I don't feel like I made any contact with John. I don't believe I did.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach (statenews.net)

“We hold our coaches to high standards of sportsmanlike conduct during game competition, and inappropriate interactions with our officials will not be tolerated.”

— Val Ackerman, Big East Commissioner (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Big East Conference tournament begins on March 13, 2026, and UConn will face the winner of the Marquette-Xavier matchup in the quarterfinals on March 14.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the high expectations and standards of conduct for coaches in the Big East Conference. While Hurley disputed the contact with the official, the league ultimately determined his actions warranted a significant $25,000 fine, underscoring the conference's commitment to sportsmanship and respect for game officials.