The UConn Huskies had a banner season running up and down the court, ending up in the Final Four. But even the hustlin' Huskies couldn't outrun a broken plane. The team finally got to Phoenix early Thursday morning.
The problem? The original plane's crew would have timed out — worked more hours than FAA regulations allow, according to CBS Sports Matt Norlander, who spoke to UConn's head coach, Dan Hurley.
The next best alternative, according to Norlander, was for a smaller plane to come in from Cincinnati, which seems simple enough. Except a smaller plane means less fuel. Which means a fuel stop.
If they wait on that plane, they won't leave Connecticut until midnight Central Daylight Time. If they waited for their crew to clear FAA time regulations, they can't leave until 10 a.m., Thursday.
The other three teams in the tournament— Alabama, North Carolina State and Purdue — are already in Phoenix.
UConn is scheduled to play Alabama at at 5:49 p.m., Saturday.
The NCAA released the following statement about the travel issues:
"Due to mechanical issues with the original aircraft, UConn men's basketball team is experiencing a delay and is now projected to depart at approximately 11:30 p.m. ET. In conjunction with the school and charter airlines, the NCAA worked to develop several options for travel alternatives to Phoenix. We are very disappointed that UConn will arrive later than anticipated and it's unfortunate the team's travel experience has been impacted."
Sports
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