UConn’s Dan Hurley reveals what went wrong against Michigan ‘Monstars’

None of his players were born yet when the movie “Space Jam” came out in 1996, but Connecticut coach Dan Hurley still referenced it after their loss to Michigan on Monday.

The Huskies fell short against the Wolverines, 69-63, in the national title game in the NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. They tried to rally in the closing minutes, but Michigan refused to budge, winning its first national championship since 1989.

In an interview with TNT Sports, Hurley rued the early foul trouble of Tarris Reed Jr., Silas Demary Jr., and Solo Ball, saying it affected their rhythm in the first half. UConn trailed by four points at the break, 33-29.

The 53-year-old coach, who showed a classy gesture to the Wolverines after the game, also lamented their awful shooting. They only shot 21-of-68 from the field, including 9-of-33 from three-point distance.

“We just had to make more shots. We had great opportunities, I thought from three, make three or four more, we would have gotten a great chance to win it,” said Hurley.

The two-time national champion coach, however, also praised his players’ effort against the Wolverines.

“How are you disappointed at all in your group? These guys had 22 offensive rebounds versus that group of Monstars out there. So, proud of the guys,” added Hurley.

Nothing but praise from Dan Hurley postgame for his UConn squad:

"How are you disappointed at all in your group? These guys had 22 ORB's versus that group of 'Monstars' out there." pic.twitter.com/fYdto9ASMc

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) April 7, 2026

For the uninitiated (also read: Gen Zs), the Monstars are a basketball team of super aliens on “Space Jam,” which Michael Jordan and his rag-tag crew of characters from Looney Tunes had to beat to save the Earth.

Man, Bugs Bunny was something else during his heyday. Even Alex Karaban probably would have trouble.

UConn outrebounded Michigan, 46-39, including 22-12 on the offensive end. But the extra possessions still were not enough for the Huskies to beat the Wolverines.

Hurley probably should have made his players drink “Michael’s Secret Stuff.”

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