UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley is already strategizing for a potential rematch with St. John's in the Big East Tournament after a commanding 32-point victory over them.
Hurley, in a light-hearted manner, suggested moving the tournament from its iconic home at Madison Square Garden, pointing out the advantage St. John's gains from their energized New York fan base.
Hurley quipped, "Hopefully, we get to a third game. It would be great for the Big East and college basketball.
I do want to move that Big East tournament somewhere else, because I think St. John's has too big of an advantage playing the Big East tournament at MSG, now that their fan base has woken up and packs that place.
I'm saying that tongue and cheek, obviously."
He proposed alternative venues like the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., conveniently close to his Jersey City roots, and the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, which hosts the Big East women's tournament and could offer UConn a home-court advantage.
Despite the playful banter, Madison Square Garden has been kind to UConn this season. The Huskies have claimed notable non-conference victories there against Illinois and Florida, earning the arena the nickname "Storrs South" among fans.
However, in their latest encounter at MSG, St. John's fans created a formidable atmosphere, leading to an 81-72 upset over UConn. Hurley acknowledged the challenge of playing in such a charged environment, emphasizing the Garden's intensity when facing the Red Storm.