Dan Hurley didn’t hesitate when describing what could be waiting for the UConn Huskies if things fall into place this week.
“We’ve gotta try to support each other on Friday night against our opponents so that we can then have a bloodbath on Sunday,” Hurley said, referencing a potential fourth meeting this season with the St. John’s Red Storm.
The comment captured the intensity of a rivalry that has quickly become one of college basketball’s most compelling and one that could soon take center stage again with even higher stakes.
A Rivalry Already Defined by This Season
UConn and St. John’s have already met three times this season, producing wildly different results.
The Red Storm stunned UConn 81-72 during the regular season, ending the Huskies’ 18-game winning streak. UConn responded with a dominant 72-40 blowout victory in the rematch. But St. John’s delivered the most emphatic statement in the Big East championship game, rolling to a convincing 72-52 win.
With St. John’s holding a 2-1 edge in the season series, a potential fourth matchup would carry both familiarity and unfinished business.
“It feels like the combination of St. John’s being underseeded, as well as putting both of us in the same region,” Hurley said. “I just think us and St. John’s are two of the best teams in the country.”
UConn Advances Despite Adversity
The Huskies earned their Sweet 16 spot with a 73-57 win over the UCLA Bruins, fueled by a strong second-half surge.
Alex Karaban led the way with a career-high 27 points, helping UConn pull away with a decisive run after a tightly contested first half.
The performance highlighted UConn’s ability to control tempo and execute defensively — even as the team has navigated injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the tournament.
Michigan State Stands in the Way
Before any potential rivalry rematch can materialize, UConn must first get past the Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet 16.
The matchup presents a different challenge, one that will test UConn’s physicality and discipline against another elite program.
Still, Hurley’s comments made it clear that the possibility of facing St. John’s again is already on his radar.
St. John’s Surging on the Other Side
St. John’s, meanwhile, has been one of the hottest teams in the country.
The Red Storm advanced with a dramatic 67-65 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks, sealed by Dylan Darling’s buzzer-beating layup.
The win marked St. John’s 21st victory in its last 22 games and continued a remarkable run under Rick Pitino.
They have the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils to hurdle in the Sweet 16.
More Than Just Basketball
Hurley acknowledged that the rivalry has extended beyond the court, fueled by passionate fan bases and growing national attention.
“It’s pretty brutal on Twitter… between our fan bases,” Hurley said.
Yet he also struck a tone of mutual respect, suggesting both programs should focus on advancing before any potential showdown.
‘Bloodbath’ Sunday?
For now, the focus remains on the Sweet 16.
But if both teams handle their business, a fourth meeting would bring everything together — history, momentum and rivalry.
And if it happens, Hurley has already set the tone.
A “bloodbath” may be waiting.
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