UConn’s Geno Auriemma apologizes for Final Four outburst ‘There’s no excuse’

5 Apr 2026 • 3:49 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • UConn coach Geno Auriemma issued an apology following a heated on-court exchange with South Carolina's Dawn Staley after the Huskies' defeat in the women's Final Four.
  • The incident occurred in the final seconds of South Carolina’s 62-48 victory, where a visibly upset Auriemma approached Staley, leading to coaches intervening and Auriemma bypassing post-game handshakes.
  • In a statement, Auriemma expressed regret for his actions, stating there was no excuse and apologizing to South Carolina's staff and team.
  • Staley initially downplayed the incident, focusing on her team's advancement to the championship game, but later expressed confusion regarding Auriemma's stated reason for the confrontation, which he attributed to a missed pregame handshake.
  • South Carolina is now set to face UCLA in the championship game, aiming for their third national title, with future matchups against UConn already scheduled.

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