The UConn men's basketball team departs for the Final Four in Arizona late Wednesday night after a host of issues delayed its flight out of Connecticut.
The NCAA said in a statement that the team's departure was postponed to 11:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday due to mechanical issues. The UConn flight was originally scheduled to depart at approximately 6 p.m. ET.
“In collaboration with schools and charter airlines, the NCAA has worked to develop several options for travel alternatives to Phoenix,” the NCAA said.
Sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel that mechanical issues led to staffing issues. Mechanical issues also made it difficult to secure a plane large enough to accommodate the team's travel group, sources told Tamil.
The team expects to arrive in Arizona around 2 a.m. PT on Thursday and break up its party to get people to the Final Four on later trips, with players and coaches given priority to arrive first, sources told Tamil.
“We are very disappointed that UConn will arrive later than expected, and it is unfortunate that the team’s travel experience has been affected,” the NCAA said.
Along with NC State, Purdue and Alabama, UConn is scheduled to have media availability, practices and other obligations in Glendale, Arizona, on Thursday. The NCAA is expected to explore an adjustment to UConn's schedule to take into account the team's delayed arrival, sources told Tamil.
CBS Sports first reported UConn's travel delay.
The Huskies are trying to become the first program to win back-to-back national titles since Florida in 2006 and 2007.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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