Let’s get one thing straight. Florida is a bonafide title contender. So there’s no doubt this Sunday’s Round of 32 matchup is a heavyweight battle. Dan Hurley’s Huskies are the reigning two-time champs. But we know they haven’t exactly looked the part all season. Roster changes, inconsistency, and some key injuries have held them back. And one of the biggest question marks is Freshman Liam McNeeley.  

McNeeley missed a chunk of the season with a high ankle sprain. His injury scare came in the second half of UConn’s 81-68 win over DePaul early January. Chasing a loose ball, he took an awkward fall after colliding with DePaul’s Layden Blocker. He headed to the locker room but made his way back to the bench late in the game, sporting a boot on his right foot. Then, he hit the court almost a month later. 

And since returning, he’s been… well, not himself and consistent. Eleven games back, he did score a career-high 38 points vs Creighton but his impact has been inconsistent, and the numbers aren’t quite where he wants them to be. Before March Madness even began, his shooting struggles were clear, just 15-for-52 in UConn’s last four games, including a rough 6-for-20 in the Big East semifinal.

In the NCAAT opener against Oklahoma, he managed just 8 points in 32 minutes, shooting a rough 15.4% from the field. But if you ask Hurley, these struggles make McNeeley “incredibly dangerous” against Florida. 

“If we can execute and get him the type of looks that we’ve got to get for him… he’s convinced that he’s due,” Hurley said. And McNeeley himself has got the confidence. “I think my confidence is at an all-time high.” Bold words. And honestly, if he can flip the switch now, there’s no better time because Florida is an absolute machine right now.  

The Gators didn’t just win their first-round game, they steamrolled No. 16 Norfolk State, 95-69. They’re 31-4 overall, boast a 14-4 SEC record, and are on a seven-game winning streak. Oh, and they average 85.7 points per game, shooting a smooth 47.3%. That’s a scary opponent for a UConn squad that has struggled to find its rhythm.  

And not to forget, Florida has Walter Clayton Jr., a consensus First Team All-American. Plus, four of their guys are averaging double digits this season. So yes, McNeeley’s resurgence isn’t just a luxury for UConn; it’s a necessity. But it’s not all doom and gloom for the Huskies. 

Junior forward Alex Karaban is the X-factor here. He’s been part of two championship runs already and came through in the clutch against Oklahoma. If he can knock down shots from deep, UConn has a fighting chance. Another cheat code is limiting Florida’s second-chance points. The Gators feast on offensive rebounds, and if UConn lets them crash the glass at will, this game could get ugly fast.  

Meanwhile, in a plot twist no one saw coming, Dan Hurley is hoping that Duke fans will rally behind UConn in this one. 

Dan Hurley’s surprising call for Duke fans’ support  

Yes, Hurley is lowkey hoping the Blue Devil faithful in Raleigh will throw their support behind UConn. We know that Jon Scheyer and the top-seeded Duke Blue Devils have been living the good life in March Madness so far—home crowd, familiar vibes, and barely any travel stress. 

Playing their first two rounds in Raleigh, just a quick drive from Durham, was about as comfortable as it gets in the NCAA Tournament. But now, their last “home-court advantage” moment is coming up. Duke is playing their second-round game (and last home game) in the same building after UConn’s game.

But surprisingly, Hurley is banking on some goodwill from Blue Devil fans before they watch their own team. “The Duke fans, obviously, they have their history with UConn and that rivalry,” Hurley said. “But my hope in tomorrow afternoon’s game with the Duke people that file in, the No. 11 Hurley jersey, that trumps the petty UConn-Duke… I’m hoping with Bobby Hurley… maybe the Duke fans help me out tomorrow.”

For the reference, Bobby Hurley (Dan’s brother) is a legendary figure in Duke basketball history. As the point guard for the Blue Devils from 1989 to 1993, he led the team to consecutive national championships in 1991 and 1992. 

So, it can’t hurt to ask, right? 

Also, according to him, UConn is still a threat. Why? Because no one’s counting on them to take down Florida. “We know the quality we’re playing against. Obviously, we got a chance to see Florida in some of the cross-scouts of watching Oklahoma. We were able to see them and prepare for that, but I think we’re a dangerous team,” the Huskies HC said.

And look, on paper, this game is Florida’s. The Gators are dominant, UConn has struggled, and McNeeley is still searching for his groove. But remember, crazy things happen this month. So, can Huskies, by any chance, punch their ticket to the Sweet 16? Or will the dream of a three-peat come crashing down?