Dan Hurley and Creighton fans have never exactly been on friendly terms-and Saturday night in Omaha was no exception. The UConn head coach was greeted by a full-throated chorus of boos as he took the floor at CHI Health Center, a sold-out arena awash in pink for the Blue Jays’ annual cancer awareness game. The crowd was loud, proud, and clearly ready to remind Hurley that he’s still enemy number one in Nebraska.
And let’s be honest, there’s history here.
For all of Hurley’s success at UConn-two national titles and a program that’s once again a national powerhouse-Omaha has been a thorn in his side. Before last season, he was winless in four trips to Creighton’s home court, including a humbling 85-66 loss in the 2023-24 campaign. That game saw the Blue Jays rain down 14 threes, dismantling a Huskies team that otherwise looked nearly unbeatable after the New Year.
But Hurley finally flipped the script last season. UConn pulled out a gritty 70-66 win in Omaha, and Hurley didn’t exactly leave quietly.
Walking off the court to a sea of jeers, he locked eyes with a fan and pointed to his ring finger, shouting “Two rings! Two rings!”
It was a mic-drop moment that only added fuel to an already fiery rivalry.
Fast forward to Saturday night, and Hurley’s Huskies once again had the edge. After a tight, back-and-forth start, UConn found its rhythm late in the first half and took a 41-30 lead into the break.
Solo Ball, who’s been working through a shooting slump, led the way with nine points-an encouraging sign for a player the Huskies will need down the stretch. Freshman Braylon Mullins, returning from injury, chipped in eight of his own, showing no signs of rust.
The energy in the building was electric, the stakes were high, and the tension between Hurley and the Creighton faithful was palpable. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes college basketball in February feel like March.
For Creighton, a win would be a statement-an opportunity to climb back into the NCAA Tournament conversation. For UConn, it’s about maintaining dominance and continuing to build momentum toward another deep postseason run.
And for Hurley? Well, it’s another chance to silence a crowd that loves to hate him.
So far, he’s doing just that.