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Geno Auriemma, Dawn Staley separated during heated postgame handshake after UConn loss
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- Geno Auriemma, Dawn Staley separated during heated postgame handshake after UConn loss
A testy, hard-fought Final Four meeting between UConn and South Carolina spilled onto the sidelines of the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
Minutes after Huskies coach Geno Auriemma blasted officials and Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley for what he described as a discrepancy in fouls, the two coaches got into a heated confrontation in the waning moments of South Carolina's 62-48 win on April 3.
The Final Four matchup between South Carolina and UConn was played with intensity throughout, with emotions building as the game reached its closing stretch.
That tension surfaced late as the outcome was decided, leading to visible reactions and an exchange between two of women’s basketball’s most prominent coaches.
Above, UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley react during the second half of the 2026 Women’s Final Four semifinal at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks and head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies exchange words during the fourth quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley (R) yells at Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma at the Mortgage Matchup Arena during Final Four in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Imagn Images)
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley yells out at the referee during their NCAA Women's Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 3, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic, Imagn Images)
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley yells out at the referee during their NCAA Women's Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 3, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic, Imagn Images)
Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma yells to his team against South Carolina at the Mortgage Matchup Arena during a Final Four semifinal game in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Imagn Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies gestures during the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks gestures during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on during the first half against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Katharine Lotze, Getty Images)
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts in the first quarter against the UConn Huskies during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley yells to her team around an official against Connecticut at the Mortgage Matchup Arena during a Final Four semifinal game in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Imagn Images)
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley yells to her team around an official against Connecticut at the Mortgage Matchup Arena during a Final Four semifinal game in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Imagn Images)
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemmare reacts during the second half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
The Final Four matchup between South Carolina and UConn was played with intensity throughout, with emotions building as the game reached its closing stretch.
That tension surfaced late as the outcome was decided, leading to visible reactions and an exchange between two of women’s basketball’s most prominent coaches.
Above, UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley react during the second half of the 2026 Women’s Final Four semifinal at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
The Final Four matchup between South Carolina and UConn was played with intensity throughout, with emotions building as the game reached its closing stretch.
That tension surfaced late as the outcome was decided, leading to visible reactions and an exchange between two of women’s basketball’s most prominent coaches.
Above, UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley react during the second half of the 2026 Women’s Final Four semifinal at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks and head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies exchange words during the fourth quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley (R) yells at Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma at the Mortgage Matchup Arena during Final Four in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley yells out at the referee during their NCAA Women's Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 3, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley yells out at the referee during their NCAA Women's Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 3, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma yells to his team against South Carolina at the Mortgage Matchup Arena during a Final Four semifinal game in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies gestures during the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks gestures during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma reacts in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on during the first half against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Katharine Lotze, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts in the first quarter against the UConn Huskies during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Joe Camporeale, Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley yells to her team around an official against Connecticut at the Mortgage Matchup Arena during a Final Four semifinal game in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley yells to her team around an official against Connecticut at the Mortgage Matchup Arena during a Final Four semifinal game in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 3, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Imagn Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemmare reacts during the second half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Mortgage Matchup Center.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
ESPN cameras caught the two briefly shaking hands before Auriemma made some comments at Staley. That ignited a brief shouting match between the two, with assistant coaches and officials getting between the two women's basketball stalwarts.
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Immediately following South Carolina's win in the Final Four, cameras captured Auriemma heading toward the UConn locker room without getting in the handshake line again with South Carolina's coaches and players.
REQUIRED READING: South Carolina upsets UConn, ends 54-game win streak to advance to championship
Speaking after the game with ESPN's Holly Rowe, Staley said she wasn't sure what prompted Auriemma's outburst.
"I have no idea, but I'm going to let you know this, I'm of integrity. I'm of integrity," Staley said. "So if I did something wrong to Geno, I had no idea what I did, I guess he thought I didn't shake his hand at the beginning of the game, I didn't know, I went down there pregame, shook everybody on his staff's hand, I don't know what we came with after the game, but hey sometimes things get heated. We move on."
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ESPN cameras did show the two coaches met briefly in pregame, with Staley hugging Auriemma and several members of the UConn women's basketball team.
"You can ask Geno the question," Staley said in the postgame news conference when asked about the incident. "He's the one that initiated. I don't want what happened there to dampen what we were able to accomplish today."
When asked in his postgame news conference, Auriemma initially didn't provide much context regarding the exchange: "Nothing… I said what I had to say. Nothing. Nothing."
Pressed again later, he said he felt disrespected pregame.
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"For 41 years I've been coaching, 25 Final Fours and before the game, the protocol is you meet at halfcourt," Auriemma said. "Anybody ever see that before? Two coaches meet at halfcourt and shake hands. Correct? Ever see it? They announce it on the loud speaker. And I waited there for like three minutes. (shrugs) So it is what it is."
"I said what I said, and obviously she didn't like it," he added.
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the third quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies gestures during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass the ball against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks compete for a loose ball during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Madina Okot #11 and Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reach for the ball against Serah Williams #22 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 and Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks gestures during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball between Maddy McDaniel #1 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Members of the UConn Huskies react from the bench during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket against Sarah Strong #21 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
UConn Huskies mascot, Jonathan the Husky, performs during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts in front of Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles past Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Jana El Alfy #8 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
Members of the UConn Huskies huddle before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the third quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the third quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies gestures during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass the ball against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks compete for a loose ball during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Madina Okot #11 and Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reach for the ball against Serah Williams #22 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 and Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks gestures during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball between Maddy McDaniel #1 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Members of the UConn Huskies react from the bench during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket against Sarah Strong #21 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
UConn Huskies mascot, Jonathan the Husky, performs during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts in front of Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles past Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Ta'niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Jana El Alfy #8 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Members of the UConn Huskies huddle before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Auriemma blasted officiating and Staley in particular after his team was called for six fouls. His rant came after one of his best players, Sarah Strong , suffered a ripped jersey on a last-second layup attempt before the quarter ended.
"There was six fouls called that quarter. All of them on us," Auriemma told Rowe. "And they've been beating the s--- out of our guys down there the entire game. Now I'm not making excuses, because we haven't been able to make a shot. But this is ridiculous. Their coach rants and raves on the sideline and calls the refs some names you don't want to hear. ... Come on man, this is for the national championship."
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Regardless, Staley said she's not going to let her and Auriemma's confrontation get in the way of her players' performance.
"I'm super proud of our kids," Staley said. "I'm not going to let any incident take anything away from the performance on the floor."
During the second Final Four semifinal broadcast between UCLA and Texas , ESPN's Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo, a former UConn star, discussed the Staley-Auriemma exchange and postgame comments.
Ruocco: "Probably a moment he would like to have back. He doesn't feel that way yet according to the comments coming from the podium now."
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Lobo: "Geno Auriemma, this is his 25th Final Four, 13 times he has gone out without a championship, and every other time he has lost with class. And frustrating to see what transpired at the end of that game."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Geno Auriemma refuses Dawn Staley handshake after UConn Final Four loss
