Hurley, No. 2 UConn Upset by Hardaway, Memphis at Maui Invitational; CBB Fans Stunned

The back-to-back defending champs have their first loss of the year just five games into the season.

Penny Hardaway and unranked Memphis knocked off No. 2 UConn 99-97 at the Maui Invitational on Monday, snapping a 17-game winning streak for the Huskies. UConn, which finished 37-3 a year ago, hadn't lost since Feb. 20 when they fell to Creighton in a Big East matchup. It was UConn's first loss to a non-conference opponent in almost a year.

The Tigers led by double digits late in the second half, but Dan Hurley's squad had a late push to make it a three-point game with just over a minute to go. Memphis hit a pair of free throws before UConn did the same on the other end. The Huskies then forced a turnover down three with 13 seconds left.

UConn scrambled on its final possession before Solo Ball drained a three with just over a second remaining to tie things up. Memphis' game-winner attempt from beyond halfcourt missed and the game went into overtime.

It was back and forth for much of overtime before Hurley picked up a technical with less than a minute to go. The Tigers made both technical free throws before making two free throws from the previously called foul to make it a four-point game.

A chaotic final minute saw UConn cut it back down to a one-possession game, but it was too little, too late with just two seconds remaining.

Memphis looked to veteran transfer Tyrese Hunter in the win, and he delivered. The senior had 26 points on a scorching hot 7-of-10 from deep. Sophomore guard PJ Haggerty also contributed 22 points and five assists while senior forward Dain Dainja dropped 14 off the bench.

After the game, fans were stunned to see the defending champs fall to an unranked squad.

If there is one thing that can be said about Memphis, it is that the Tigers often rise to the occasion. ESPN's Jeff Borzello noted that Monday's win marked five straight against ranked opponents for Memphis since the start of last season.

Since Hardaway took over at Memphis ahead of the 2018-19 season, the Tigers have found some success but haven't gotten to the next level of being a championship contender. Monday's win shows that things could look different this year.

Memphis has mostly relied on young talent in the past but has a roster full of veteran transfers this year. That could be the recipe for success for Hardaway and the Tigers.

UConn's hopes of a third straight tile are far from over, but it's clear the Huskies lost some talent last year and have some work to do before they return to their dominant selves.