UConn head coach Geno Auriemma got caught up in the emotions of his team suffering one of the worst losses during his tenure.
The 62-48 loss to South Carolina was the second time since 2022 the Huskers were held under 50 points in a game. There was also a tense moment between Auriemma and Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley, which led to the two being separated by their assistants during the post-game handshake.
Auriemma officially responded and apologized for his actions toward Staley on Saturday.
“There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina,” Auriemma said in a statement. “It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut.
“I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted, The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them.”
UConn heads home with South Carolina advancing to face UCLA in the national championship game on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).