South Carolina Defeats UConn 62-48 to Advance to NCAA Championship Game

South Carolina's women's basketball team secured a spot in the NCAA championship game by defeating previously unbeaten UConn 62-48 in the Final Four on Friday night. The Gamecocks' victory snapped the Huskies' 54-game winning streak and marked their fourth title game appearance in five seasons.

Ta'Niya Latson led South Carolina with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Agot Makeer contributed 14 points. The Gamecocks' defense held UConn to 31.1% shooting, limiting star player Sarah Strong to 12 points on 4-for-16 shooting.

The game concluded with a tense exchange between UConn coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley. Auriemma approached Staley in the final seconds, leading to a heated conversation before assistants intervened. Auriemma then left the court without participating in the postgame handshake line.

During a sideline interview, Auriemma expressed frustration with the officiating, noting that all six fouls in the third quarter were called against UConn. He also criticized Staley's interactions with the referees.

Staley addressed the incident postgame, stating she was unaware of any wrongdoing and emphasizing her integrity. She mentioned shaking hands with UConn's staff before the game and expressed pride in her team's performance.

South Carolina will face UCLA in the national championship game on Sunday, seeking their fourth national title under Staley's leadership.