UConn coach Dan Hurley’s No. 2-seeded Huskies were blown out 72-52 by the No. 1-seeded St. John’s Red Storm in the Big East Tournament championship game on Saturday. The loss effectively dropped them to a No. 2 seed during the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday.
The Huskies have been placed in the competitive East Region, which has complicated Hurley’s path to a third national championship in four years.
Stephen A. Smith Predicts Dan Hurley’s UConn To Win the East Region
During Thursday’s segment of the “First Take” show, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith picked Hurley’s UConn to win the East Region, despite their recent struggles and the caliber of the teams that they will face.
“It’s gonna be Dan Hurley,” Smith said. “The man is a two-time national champion. His teams rebounds, they defend, they shoot well.
“I don’t understand how you’re losing to Creighton and Marquette. You lost to Arizona earlier in the season, I get it. But, they’re 7-1 against Quad 1 teams. UConn this year have four dudes that are Big East caliber.
“You’re experienced enough to make noise in the NCAA Tournament. Outside of conference play is where he and his team feel themselves. Dan Hurley can coach his ass off. He knows how to touch the pulse of his team when it counts most. Even when he lost to Florida last year, it was a nail-biter that came down to the wire. Dan Hurley, I believe in this man.”
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The East Region includes coach Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans, coach Rick Pitino’s St. John’s, and coach Mick Cronin’s UCLA Bruins, representing a gauntlet that could lead to a Final Four place.
Hurley Addresses UConn’s Tough Path in the East Region
While speaking to reporters after the Huskies had been placed in the East Region on Selection Sunday, Hurley addressed the various teams he might encounter on the path toward national championship glory.
“Tough region, yeah,” Hurley said. “I think every year you look at it, it’s pretty tough. St. John’s is a five seed…You know that’s a heck of a region. Michigan State, who I know probably looked like more of a two until Purdue’s run, you know, ends up as a three. Heck of a region.
“We’ve wanted to play in Philly from the start. I think we’re excited that we’re able to earn Philly. We have nothing against Buffalo, you know, but our last trip to Buffalo.”
Hurley’s Huskies will first have to get past the No. 15-seeded Furman Paladins at Wells Fargo Center on Friday before they get a chance to go up against the bigwigs in the East Region.
