Sarah Strong's Jersey Rips in Women’s Final Four Drama
Sarah Strong's jersey rip in Final Four drama sparks controversy. Despite a final quarter buzzer-beater miss, Strong had to switch jerseys before the end of play. The clash highlights tensions between UConn and South Carolina heading into the championship game.
UConn women’s basketball star forward Sarah Strong did not finish her team’s Final Four game against South Carolina with her iconic No. 21 jersey, but switched to a different color midway through the third quarter. After missing a buzzer-beater to end the quarter, Strong ripped off her #21 jersey and donned a new one before the final seconds of play.
This bizarre incident occurred in the Huskies’ 62-48 loss to South Carolina at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 3. The loss put UConn (38-1) into the championship game, where it will face No. 1 seed UCLA next weekend.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma suggested that a South Carolina player ripped Strong’s jersey by accident while another source claims the jersey was torn beforehand and she had to switch for legal reasons. Auriemma took issue with inconsistent officiating throughout the game, particularly in the third quarter when he noted there were no fouls called on his team despite multiple attempts. Despite being frustrated with the situation, Auriemma did not advocate for Dawn Staley, South Carolina’s coach, to be ejected from the game.
The incident underscores the tension between UConn and their opponents as they prepare for their title defense.