The recent NCAA tournament wrapped up with an incredible victory for Connecticut, a game that culminated in a record-breaking point differential of plus-140.
This left the previous men’s record of plus-129, set by Kentucky in 1996, far behind.
UConn sets a record for point differential in the NCAA tournament pic.twitter.com/8hC0JkuER7
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 9, 2024
The championship brought UConn’s season-first-ranking offensive efficiency by KenPom, with all five starters scoring double-figure points.
Connecticut’s starting five shared their shots almost equally. The player shot percentage revealed that Tristen Newton led the team with a 22.4% shot percentage and a scoring average of 15.1.
Close behind were Cam Spencer (20.9%, 14.3), Alex Karaban (21.4%, 13.3), Donovan Clingan (24.9%, 13), and Stephon Castle (21.4%, 11.1).
Connecticut’s team conveyed an impressive assist on 63.6 percent, holding the fifth-highest rate in the country by KenPom.
Before 2023, coach Dan Hurley’s teams struggled to make it into the top 100 in the assist rate.
In the final seconds of what had been an intense game, senior guard Andrew Hurley the son of coach Dan Hurley came onto the court to dribble out the game.
Dan Hurley made sure his son Andrew got into the game to dribble out the final seconds of the National Championship 👏 pic.twitter.com/AsEzQReJIo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2024
This short-lived moment promptly ignited a storm on social media, despite Andrew’s scarce season averages of 0.4 points, 0.1 rebounds, and 0.1 assists.
Following Andrew Hurley’s late entrance into the match, fans took to social media in divided opinions.
Some enjoyed the win and the poignant moment between father and son; for others, this reeked of nepotism.
Critics pointed out the unfair advantage Andrew seemed to have due to his familial connection to the team’s coach.
“Nepotism is a thing at all levels”
Nepotism is a thing at all levels
— Aaron (@aaron24_8__2) April 9, 2024
