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UConn's Dan Hurley Calls Out Duke Amid NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 9:51 PM ET

Jon Scheyer and the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils have enjoyed a nice stay at home during the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

Duke was fortunate enough to play their first two March Madness games in Raleigh, North Carolina, just a short drive from Durham. On Sunday, they will play in their final "home" game of the tournament, facing No. 9 seed Baylor Bears.

This will mark the second of two Raleigh games on Sunday. The first has Dan Hurley and the defending champion No. 8 seed UConn Huskies battling the No. 1 seed Florida Gators. Florida is riding a seven-game winning streak going into the round of 32.

Hurley is well aware of how good this year's Florida team is (31-4, SEC champions). Ahead of the second-round match, Hurley spoke on the potential Duke fans at the game, hoping they will side with UConn over his brother, former Duke guard Bobby Hurley.

"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."

Hurley then went on to discuss that he has been trying to set up a home and home schedule with certain college basketball powerhouses, Duke included. However, it appears Hurley has not heard back from some of these schools, calling them out in his interview.

"We have reached out, and I think we'll be announcing some exciting ones that we will be playing," Hurley added. "But, it takes two to tango."

Come for Dan Hurley’s plea for Duke fans in Raleigh to root for UConn in the first Round of 32 game tomorrow.

Stay for Hurley saying he has pursued scheduling home and homes with Duke and UNC — then adding, “It takes two to tango.”

( : @MarchMadnessMBB) pic.twitter.com/sNl5hZgsYf
— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) March 22, 2025

Duke and UConn will both be eyeing spots in the Sweet 16 on Sunday. The Huskies will tip off at 12:10 p.m. ET, while the Blue Devils are scheduled for 2:40 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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