Quick, what are some of the worst losses ever by a defending men’s basketball champion?
Saturday, that trivia question got a new — and familiar — additional answer.
The UConn Huskies, winners of back-to-back national titles, blew multiple late leads on the road Saturday, falling 69-68 to Seton Hall in overtime, more proof that UConn really can lose to anyone this season.
It is the second worst loss in the KenPom era, which dates back to 1997, with Seton Hall currently ranked No. 213 in KenPom. The worst loss also belongs to the Huskies (2015 UConn to Houston, then No. 214 in KenPom).
SETON HALL STUNS UCONN IN OT 😱
(via @CBBonFOX)
pic.twitter.com/JPlyWNG0Up— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) February 15, 2025
The win is just Seton’s Hall’s second — yes, second — in Big East play this year, and the Pirates’ seventh win overall, putting their season record at 7-18. Seven of their previous eight losses had been by 14 points or more.
UConn now sits at 17-8 overall and 9-5 in the Big East.
And yes, it was as ugly as you’re imagining.
Up 58-53 with 18 seconds to play after Solo Ball hit one of two free throws, UConn allowed Seton Hall to make a layup before the Huskies turned it over and gave up a crucial offensive rebound that allowed the Pirates’ Dylan Addae-Wusu to hit a game-tying 3 with five seconds to play in regulation. Ball followed up with a missed 3, and the game headed to overtime.
UConn took control again in the extra period, building a 68-63 lead with 59 seconds left. The Huskies were still up 68-67 with the ball after two made free throws by Seton Hall. But everything went wrong on the ensuing inbounds, when Ball got trapped and coughed it up, giving the Pirates another chance. Seton Hall’s Scotty Middleton’s initial layup attempt was too strong, but he tipped in the miss and UConn’s Hassan Diarra’s 3 at the buzzer was short.
UConn turned the ball over three different times in the final 48 seconds.
So you can win trivia night, other terrible losses by defending champs in the KenPom era include: 2005 UConn to UMass (KenPom No. 180), 2021 Virginia to No. 179 Boston College and 2018 UNC to No. 163 Wofford.
(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
