UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma was furious on Friday after suffering a 62-48 loss in the Final Four to the South Carolina Gamecocks. As the teams shook hands, Auriemma aggressively confronted South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, leading to a heated verbal exchange.
Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley getting into a heated exchange during the handshake lineup…..WOW#WFinalFour #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/9X4efYQOcb
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Auriemma had to be physically held back during the exchange. The incident occurred just minutes after he blasted Staley and the officials in a courtside interview before the start of the fourth quarter. He was angry at the free throw disparity of the game.
The Gamecocks attempted 22 total free throws in the matchup while the Huskies only attempted six.
South Carolina faced a two-point deficit at halftime, but took control of the second half and took down the previously unbeaten Huskies.
The Gamecocks will now face the winner of Friday’s UCLA-Texas matchup in the national championship game.
James Parker contributed to this story.
