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UConn coach Dan Hurley is openly hoping for a fourth meeting with Rick Pitino’s St. John’s in the Elite Eight, calling for an intense, no-holds-barred matchup if both teams advance from the Sweet Sixteen. With the Huskies through to the next round, Hurley framed the potential showdown as a high-stakes chapter in a volatile Big East rivalry.
Hurley’s call for a heated rematch
Hurley did not hide his desire to face St. John’s again this season. He described a fierce encounter if both programs reach Washington, D.C., saying he expects a hostile atmosphere and fierce competition.
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He also acknowledged the oddity of the bracket placement. Hurley suggested the selection committee’s choices made an already compelling rivalry even more charged. He added a lighthearted caveat that he wasn’t trying to play by his own rules when discussing seeding.
The coach signaled he wants a physical, emotional contest — a true showdown between two top Big East teams.
How each team can reach that Elite Eight clash
Both squads face difficult opponents on Friday. UConn must get past No. 3 Michigan State. St. John’s needs to pull off an upset against No. 1 seed Duke.
What needs to happen for the matchup
- UConn defeats Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen.
- St. John’s upsets Duke in its regional game.
- Both teams advance to the regional final in Washington, D.C.
If all three steps fall into place, the stage will be set for the fourth meeting between the teams this season.
Rivalry recap: split results and a decisive tournament game
The season between these Big East foes has been turbulent. St. John’s edged UConn to win the regular-season conference crown.
In the conference tournament final, St. John’s delivered a dominant performance and beat UConn by a wide margin.
- Regular season: the teams split head-to-head matchups.
- In New York, St. John’s topped a top-ranked UConn squad.
- Back in Connecticut, UConn responded with a lopsided win.
- Conference final: St. John’s prevailed in a commanding fashion.
Those swings in results only deepened the narrative heading into March.
Fan passions, social buzz and the DC stage
Hurley warned that the rivalry stokes intense reactions on social platforms. He said the digital noise between fan bases can be harsh.
Still, he called for unity on game nights, at least until both teams have handled their immediate opponents. Then he expects the rivalry to resume in full force if the teams meet again.
A regionally hosted Elite Eight game in Washington would likely be loud, crowded, and nationally watched.
