Defending national champion UConn lost its second consecutive game for the first time since the 2022-23 season on Tuesday.
The No. 2 Huskies fell 73-72 to Colorado in the consolation bracket of the Maui Invitational.
The game wasn't without its controversial moments with two separate foul non-calls examined by the broadcast team late in the game.
UConn head coach Danny Hurley was visibly frustrated with the officials, just 24 hours after he was assessed a technical foul for his sideline antics.
Alright UConn fans,
— Ryan Cassidy (@ryancassidycbb) November 26, 2024
Let's hear it: pic.twitter.com/XdYnm4Budp
Dan Hurley is fuming. UConn on the ropes right now. pic.twitter.com/uQ1EN1CS8S
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) November 26, 2024
The Buffaloes trailed 40-32 at halftime and completed the come-from-behind win on the backs of seniors Elijah Malone and Julian Hammond III.
Both tied for the team lead in points (16) but Hammond hit four crucial three-pointers, two of them in the second half.
It was an impressive win for Colorado which lost five of its top scorers in the offseason after winning 26 games and making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24.
The Huskies shot 48.7% from the field but sent Colorado to the free throw line 28 times which ultimately came back to bite them.
It was an uncharacteristic performance from UConn, which lost its first game as a program since Dec. 20 on Monday in a dramatic 99-97 defeat to Memphis.
It now will play for seventh place on Wednesday against the loser of the No. 5 Iowa State vs. Dayton game which tips off later Tuesday night.
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