Amid a chaotic finish against Duke, University of Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley gave credit where it was due: to his wife, Andrea.
With 0.3 seconds remaining, a last-second three-pointer gave UConn a 73-72 lead. The narrow margin and high stakes nearly led to a technical foul that could have handed Duke free throws.
Hurley appeared on Barstool Sports’ "Pardon My Take" and acknowledged how Andrea-whom he calls a “Jersey boss lady”-kept players and staff in line after the shot.
“She was grabbing people around the back of their warmups,” Hurley said. “Her language is colorful, too. She doesn’t even know basketball, but she keeps us grounded.”
The win advances UConn to the Final Four for the third time in four years. The Huskies, seeking another national title, will face top-ranked offensive team Illinois on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
It marks a dramatic turnaround after last year’s early exit to Florida. Now ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, UConn enters the game as a No. 2 seed.