The defending champions have been going through it these past few weeks. In a nail-biter finish, the Huskies beat the Bulldogs to secure their sixth Big East win. It was a much-needed reprieve after the humiliation that Creighton handed them in the previous game. However, all was not well, even in victory. Coach Dan Hurley had an explosive fallout with the referees. The two-time National Championship coach did not hold back against the officials, but his behavior wasn’t well-received by everyone.

On The Field of 68: After Dark, national reporter Jeff Goodman outright denounced the actions of the Huskies coach. “Just the way he talks to these guys, to me, at times, is disgusting. It’s disgusting, and it needs to stop. Somebody needs to talk to him about this and get him in line. Again, they’re human beings… Treat them as such.” Which is a fair ask to make. Goodman argues that there is a way to deal with referees, even if you’re angry or upset. The analyst emphasizes that they are people too and that people are allowed to make mistakes.

On the flip side, Coach Hurley had a lot to say in the post-game press conference. Hurley expressed frustrations with the officiating, and with the treatment that he was getting. “We got held the whole game. I don’t think it could get worse for me. Look at the free-throw differential,” The UConn coach went further, however, as he continued. “I just wish they would show these other coaches losing their minds at the officials in other Big East games… The camera obviously, I’ve created this for myself, I’m not a victim. I just wish they would not have the camera on me 90% of the time.”

It is understandable that Hurley might feel this way, considering that his presence on the court is certainly gigantic, with eyes on him wherever he goes. However, Goodman and company do have a point as well. Dan Hurley and his Huskies have a long way to go this season if they want to achieve the elusive three-peat. With two conference losses in the books already, Hurley has little margin for error.

What will it take for UConn to threepeat

The Huskies have a crucial stretch of games coming up, playing against top-seeded Marquette and St. Johns back to back. They might be a team with championship experience, however, the current standings do not favor them as much as their matchups. Similarly, we can’t underestimate Xavier or DePaul either, as the Musketeers are the only team to have beat Marquette this season.

A big blow for the Huskies is the fact that Liam McNeeley is out injured. The six-foot-seven forward was an integral part of Hurley’s plan for the season, and his ankle injury has really set them back. But we also need to look at the positives. UConn’s momentum, for instance, is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Coming off of two back-to-back championships, the Huskies only need a push to get going.

Firstly, they need to keep winning. Even though it may sound simple, they have to face off against the top seeds in the Big East consecutively. Winning those matchups could put them right where they belong–at the top! Secondly, Alex Karaban will need to show up day in, and day out. His presence is the deciding factor for the Huskies currently, and he cannot afford to let up now.

Lastly, Dan Hurley will need to man the fort. His team needs to play tougher and dig themselves out of holes sooner. A positive impact that his antics may have, however, is on the players. If you see the coach fighting for you, you’re bound to fight harder in the game as well. Regardless, UConn needs to brave the storm and figure out how to keep winning if they want to three-peat. They next face Xavier on the 25th. What do you think? Are Hurley’s words unwarranted? Will he three-peat? Only time will tell.