The conclusion of the women’s Final Four semifinal between UConn and South Carolina saw a fiery exchange between coaches Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley. South Carolina’s 62-48 victory was overshadowed by a heated confrontation that required intervention from staff members.
Sideline Spat Erupts After Final Whistle
As the final seconds ticked away, Auriemma approached Staley for a postgame handshake, but then angrily let loose a string of words while demonstratively pointing his index finger at the floor. Staley appeared shocked before both coaches started shouting at each other. Staff members blocked Staley’s path as she stepped toward the Huskies coach near the scorer’s table. According to reports, Staley was heard saying twice, “I will beat Geno’s ass.”
Auriemma stated postgame that he and Staley don’t have a relationship, simply describing each other as rivals. “Nah, not really,” Auriemma said. “We don’t have a lot in common.”
Auriemma’s Frustrations During the Game
Emotions appeared to escalate for Auriemma throughout the game. During a fourth-quarter interview, Auriemma criticised the officiating, lamenting the lack of fouls called against South Carolina. He accused Staley of ranting and raving at the officials and calling them names. UConn was whistled for 17 fouls, while South Carolina had eight.
Auriemma also said, “They’ve been beating the s— out of our guys down there the entire game. I’m not making excuses, ’cause we haven’t been able to make a shot. But this is ridiculous.”
UConn star Sarah Strong was forced to switch to a No. 55 jersey after her No. 21 jersey was torn. Auriemma questioned why no fouls were called against South Carolina in the third quarter. Although a video angle showed Strong ripping her own jersey, it was unclear if it was already torn. Strong called it an accident.
Auriemma stated, “I just want to make sure there’s not a double standard. I’m of the opinion that if I ever talk to an official like that, I would get tossed. So, I just want to make sure there’s not a double standard, that some people are allowed to talk to officials like that and other people are not. That’s it.
“So yeah, I was pretty frustrated.”
Staley Declines to Comment
Staley declined to comment on the incident or Auriemma’s accusations during the postgame news conference. “You can ask Geno the question,” Staley said. “He’s the one that initiated the conversation. I don’t know what happened there to dampen what we were able to accomplish today.”
Auriemma said he waited for a traditional pregame handshake for three minutes. He added that he had no regrets with what he said on the broadcast interview. “Why would I? Why wo