Tempers flare between Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley as UConn’s undefeated season comes to an end
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley react in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images PHOENIX — South Carolina defeated UConn 62-48 in the first semifinal game of Friday night in Phoenix, Arizona to advance to Sunday’s national championship game. In what was a close game for majority of play, with tough defense and aggressive play, the game ended with two legendary women’s basketball coaches getting into what looked like an argument as the game was concluding.
As the final seconds were winding down, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley seemed to get into a heated debate. Geno Auriemma exchanged words with Dawn Staley in the final seconds of South Carolina and UConn’s Final Four matchup. pic.
twitter. com/S6anlPKqwe — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 4, 2026 These two teams are familiar with each other, as both faced off in last year’s National Championship game when UConn came out on top. In an interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe at the end of the third quartr, Auriemma expressed his frustration with the lack of foul calls against the Gamecocks.
Geno Auriemma: "There were 6 fouls called that quarter. All of 'em against us. And they've been beating the sh*t out of our guys down there the entire game… This is ridiculous.
Their coach rants and raves on the sideline, and calls the referees some names you don't wanna hear. " pic. twitter.
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