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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Saturday night's Big East Tournament finale featured the St. John's Red Storm dropping the UConn Huskies, 72-52, in front of a rowdy Madison Square Garden crowd.
The win delivered back-to-back conference championships for Rick Pitino, while the loss brought Dan Hurley and UConn potential injury concerns heading to the NCAA Tournament. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. exited the game at one point and headed back to the locker room.
The injury occurred in the game's second half, with Demary getting checked out by medical staff before returning to the game. However, that didn't necessarily mean he was 100 percent, as some online reports indicated he was helped off the court after the game concluded.
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According to UConn reporter Sam Calhoun, head coach Hurley indicated that his assumption was that Demary suffered a mild sprain. He would get precautionary X-rays at some point, although Hurley didn't disclose when that would occur.
Demary, a junior transfer from Georgia, is averaging 11 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Huskies this season. The starting guard has often been a significant difference maker in his team’s games with ball distribution and scoring.
While a serious injury would deal a damaging blow to UConn's tournament chances, Hurley's early indication makes it seem it won't be a major setback. However, a banged-up Demary could impact their success.
UConn's loss meant its bid for a No. 1 seed likely ended on Saturday evening. Earlier in the day, Florida's SEC Tournament semifinal loss to Vanderbilt gave some hope that the Huskies could grab the No. 1 seed with a win over St. John's.
Dan Hurley's squad was already dealing with an injury to their reserve forward, Jaylin Stewart, who they were without for the entirety of the Big East Tournament. Hurley previously said they were hopeful Steward would return for the NCAA Tournament.
The Huskies find out their seed, region, matchup, and game schedule on Sunday's Selection Show, with a No. 2 seed likely.
Update (3/15/26) 6:01 p.m. EST: Silas Demary Jr. is "boot-free" and watching Selection Sunday, per Sam Calhoun.
Read more: UConn Coach Linked to Vacant Big East Jobs Before NCAA Tournament
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