UConn coach Dan Hurley is calling for unity between the Huskies and St. John's fan bases ahead of their Sweet 16 matchups in Washington. Hurley wants supporters to temporarily set aside their rivalry and root for both Big East teams to advance, creating the possibility of a conference showdown in the Elite Eight.

Rick Pitino's Red Storm face top-seeded Duke on Friday, followed immediately by Hurley's Huskies taking on Michigan State. If both teams win, they'll meet Sunday with a Final Four berth at stake. Hurley acknowledged the tension between fan bases on social media but emphasized the historic opportunity.

This season has seen St. John's dominate the series, winning two of three meetings including a 20-point victory in the Big East tournament final. The Red Storm have lost just once since January 3, while UConn struggled down the stretch after a 22-1 start. Both teams advanced through Philadelphia last weekend, setting up what could be a Madison Square Garden-like atmosphere at the Capital One Arena if they both advance.