Charles Barkley’s Final Four prediction regarding the UConn-Illinois game has drawn reaction after UConn’s victory. Barkley stated on TNT Sports that he believed Illinois would beat UConn ‘pretty good’. However, UConn won 72-61.
Hurley’s Response to Barkley
Dan Hurley responded to Barkley’s prediction in the post-game press conference. Hurley said he was proud of his players, ‘when most people didn’t think we were going to win the game, or at least a little bit of what I saw on TV today, TNT, and some of those prognostications’. Hurley added, ‘So, it was great to win the game, and I had to throw some shade.’
While Hurley didn’t mention Barkley by name, it was clear who he was referring to. Barkley had said that Illinois’ physicality near the paint could be detrimental to Hurley’s team.
Fans React to Barkley’s Prediction
Fans have reacted to Barkley’s prediction and UConn’s subsequent win. One fan wrote, ‘He ALWAYS bets against UCONN. We don’t need him’.
Another fan commented, ‘Barkley picked the UConn opponent to win the last 3 games haha!!’
Barkley’s Championship Game Prediction
Barkley has also made a prediction for the Championship game between UConn and Michigan. He stated, ‘I don’t see they (Michigan) have any weaknesses’.
Barkley added, ‘I think Dusty May is a hell of a coach. Y’all talk about experience, he has been to the Final Four a lot lately.’ He believes Michigan will win its first National Championship in 25 years.
One fan stated, ‘This dude is literally wrong every time. Someone take his mic away’.
Barkley’s predictions have been incorrect several times this season. The UConn-Illinois game is the latest example.