RALEIGH, N.C. — An air of disbelief surrounded Dan Hurley as he confronted the painful reality of his team's 77-75 defeat against Florida in the thrilling second round of the NCAA Tournament at the Lenovo Center.

The two-time defending champions had aspirations of securing an unprecedented three-peat, but instead, they found themselves grappling with a heartbreaking exit.

In the immediate moments following the game, Hurley appeared visibly shaken, his expression reflecting the weight of the loss.

It was evident that the emotional toll of the game had taken its toll on him, as he fought back tears while addressing the media.

Hurley acknowledged just how close his Huskies had come to solidifying their legacy in college basketball history.

The defeat not only halted UConn's quest for a historic three-consecutive championships but also snapped a remarkable streak of 13 consecutive tournament victories that began in the previous two seasons.

With the pressure mounting, Hurley’s voice trembled as he addressed his players and the fans who believed in their journey.

This season was marked by high expectations, with the Huskies boasting a talented roster and a solid mix of experienced players and energetic newcomers.

Yet, as the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of their March Madness journey, Hurley's vision for this era seemed to hang in the balance.

UConn's abrupt exit raises questions about what the future holds for the program and whether they can rebuild and regain their championship form.

Will this loss serve as a catalyst for a stronger comeback next season? Only time will tell if the Huskies can bounce back and reclaim their status as a dominant force in college basketball.