South Carolina Upsets UConn 62-48 to Advance to NCAA Title Game; Coaches Auriemma and Staley Engage in Heated Exchange
South Carolina ended UConn's 54-game winning streak with a 62-48 victory in the Final Four, advancing to the national championship game. Postgame, coaches Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley had a heated exchange over a pregame handshake dispute.
South Carolina secured a 62-48 victory over previously unbeaten UConn in the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four on Friday night, ending the Huskies' 54-game winning streak and advancing to the national championship game.
The Gamecocks' defense limited UConn to 31.1% shooting, with star player Sarah Strong held to 12 points on 4-for-16 shooting. Ta'Niya Latson led South Carolina with 16 points, while Agot Makeer added 14.
In the final seconds, UConn coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley engaged in a heated exchange near midcourt, requiring intervention from staff members. Staley later stated she was unaware of the cause, suggesting Auriemma might have been upset over a perceived missed pregame handshake. Auriemma expressed frustration over the game's officiating, noting a significant foul disparity in the third quarter.
With this win, South Carolina advances to the national championship game, marking their fourth title game appearance in five seasons. They will face UCLA for the championship.