The UConn Huskies fought until the end in the National Championship Game, but were unable to keep the Michigan Wolverines at bay, falling 69-63 to the No. 1 seed from the Midwest Region.
Guard Elliot Cadeau led Michigan with 19 points and three rebounds, also dishing out two assists. Teammate Yaxel Lendeborg, despite admitting he was bothered by his previous injury from the Arizona Final Four game, ended with 13 points, two rebounds, and an assist.
The Wolverines used size and dominance inside to continue powering to layups and shots, ultimately hitting at 38 percent. In addition, they drew 22 fouls on the UConn players, putting several starters in foul trouble. Solo Ball required significant time on the bench, and backcourt mate Silas Demary Jr. ultimately fouled out.
Alex Karaban ended his career with a 17-point and 11-rebound performance, while center Taris Reed Jr. had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Overall, UConn shot 31 percent, making 27 percent of their three-pointers, and also struggled through foul trouble.
UConn Legend Ray Allen Gets Honest About Dan Hurley’s Coaching
A huge three-pointer and late free throws helped Michigan secure its win down the stretch, as UConn couldn’t find ways to score buckets when needed.
Despite what some critics called lopsided officiating, coach Dan Hurley stayed technical-free during the game, only appealing a foul against UConn, asking the referees to review a potential elbow thrown.
After the game ended, CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander shared a video clip showing Hurley and his players as confetti was still descending and fans were cheering.
According to Norlander, Hurley and the entire team “waited for the Michigan players” after their “immediate celebration” to shake their hands and congratulate them.
As seen in the video below, players exchange handshakes, and the coaching staff does as well. Hurley also offers words to Lendeborg and others, including walking over to big man Aday Mara to talk to him and offer congratulations.
“now that’s how you lose with dignity. or boredom,” an X commenter replied to Norlander’s video.
“Say what you want about Dan, but he’s a class act,” another commenter said.
“UConn forces you to beat them. Mad respect for their team,” one commenter wrote.
“That’s pure class. I called Hurley out for that grasping-at-last-straw appeal, but just as much he deserves credit for a truly classy move when I’m sure his team was ready to hit the lockers,” a commenter said.
“It annoys me to see Hurley do something this classy.Lessons for Geno,” someone replied, referring to UConn women’s coach Geno Auriemma’s postgame meltdown exchange with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.
Hurley has gained much attention for his sideline antics, but the video above does show another side that doesn’t get talked about much. Hurley has shown respect for the other players and teams throughout his coaching, with the refs typically the recipients of any tirades or heated exchanges.
Among those in the exchange are several individuals who won’t be back at UConn next season, including seniors Alex Karaban, Taris Reed Jr., Malachi Smith, and assistant coach Luke Murray, who will leave to coach Boston College.
UConn made sure to end its magical and emotional season with class, despite what was likely a heartbreaking loss for the players. After the loss, Hurley will eventually reflect on his team’s successes and losses as he looks to another season and attempts to figure out the roster for another March Madness run.
Tarris Reed Jr. Almost Left UConn After ‘Dark Days’ With Coach Dan Hurley
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