Geno Auriemma, Dawn Staley have heated exchange after Gamecocks upset Huskies
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- In a heated moment after South Carolina’s 62-48 upset over Connecticut in the Final Four, coaches Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley exchanged words at midcourt and had to be separated.
- Staley expressed confusion about what angered Auriemma, denying any intentional slight and insisting she showed integrity, while Auriemma claimed Staley failed to follow the customary pregame handshake protocol.
- Auriemma criticized the game’s officiating during the broadcast, highlighting a free-throw disparity and accusing Staley of using inappropriate language toward referees without consequences.
- Connecticut’s loss ended their 54-game winning streak and marked their first defeat since February 2025, following their national championship win over South Carolina the previous year.
