Hurley Goes 4-0 Over Pitino in Big East Play as UConn Advances to Conference Championship Round

The final score read UConn 95, St. John’s 90, but don’t be fooled by the scoreboard. The Huskies were on cruise control.

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UConn will now play Marquette tonight (6:30 p.m., FOX) for the Big East tournament crown, while the Johnnies will wait for Sunday evening to find out if, who, and when they play in next week’s Big Dance.

But there was more than a game on the floor Friday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. It’s no secret these two coaches don’t share a fondness for each other. Consider what Pitino did earlier this season by announcing that UConn would play at Carnesseca Arena next season rather than at MSG. Ouch! On Saturday, emotions were evident as both coaches received technicals in a short span, and Pitino barely acknowledged Hurley in the handshake line.

For example, when Cam Spencer had the option of taking the 3, he made the extra pass to Alex Karaban for a better-looking three that gave the Huskies an 84-74 lead. UConn knows how to play the game, which shows in the stats–23 assists on 57% shooting overall (50% shooting from the 3-line) and 92% free throw shooting. UConn also had more rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, fast break points, and points in the paint.

Personally, UConn has come a long way for me. I used to hate the Huskies because I couldn’t stand Jim Calhoun. Hurley is different because he comes from a good place (learned from his legendary father), and his offense is precise. It was pleasant to root for Hurley and the Huskies. Pitino? No.