Providence Coach Admits $2 Beers Helped Fuel UConn Victory

The beer deal apparently sparked the energy and voices of Huskies fans.

No. 18 UConn took down No. 20 Providence, 87–69, in men’s basketball Wednesday night at home in front of a raucous a sold-out crowd thanks to a $2 beer night.

Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Conn., hosted the $2 beer promotion up through the first half in honor of senior night. Fans lined up to partake in the deal, and apparently the crowd seemed louder and more hyped than usual.

Indeed, Providence coach Ed Cooley couldn’t help but mention that maybe the beer sale was partially to blame for his team’s loss. However, he also admitted the Friars weren’t on top of their game in the Big East rivalry matchup.

“I thought we were soft, not connected,” Cooley said, via CT Insider. “I think the crowd had something to do with that, so the $2 beers worked.”

You asked for it...

$2 Beer Night is happening tomorrow at Gampel as a thank you for the awesome support all season long! 🍻

Don't forget to ⚪️ WEAR WHITE ⚪️#BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/uDIr5NL47v

— UConn Huskies (@UConnHuskies) February 22, 2023

UConn players also felt the energy from the crowd in the win. Forward Alex Karaban thinks the arena should sell $2 beers more often.

“We might need to continue $2 beers because I never heard Gampel that loud,” Karaban said, via college basketball journalist Adam Zagoria.

UConn improved to 21-7 overall and remains in fifth place in the Big East standings at 10–7. Providence dropped to 20-8 overall and 12-5 in conference.