UConn's Hurley Defends Auriemma, Eyes 7th Title

0:00Yukon's Geno Ariema faced heat after losing to South Carolina and the women's final four semis, 62 to 48. He had a heated exchange with coach Don Staley, and later apologized, owning up to his uncharacteristic blow-up and praising the gamecock's strong play. Dan Hurley, the men's coach, jumped in to defend his colleague right after his huskies beat Illinois 71 to 62 in their own semifinal. Hurley cracked a joke, saying he's clearly had a bad influence on Geno. Hurley knows controversy himself, with his side-mine rants going viral often, but he called Oriema one of the classiest in sports. He noted how Geno has mentored him, through his own tough moments, flipping the script in a big way. Meanwhile, Hurley pushed back on doubters labeling his team underdogs, reminding folks they already beat Illinois by 13 back in November. He also shrugged off flack from his own minor run-in with refs in the regional final. With the men squat chasing a seventh title, they're third in four years.

1:01Monday night's championship feels like prime time for Yukon to keep the family, legacy rolling strong, local news powered by AI. This is Hartford News Today.