While the UConn Huskies’ perfect season has come to an end, it has brought some much-needed insight for Geno Auriemma.

The Huskies' 54-game winning streak was flipped over in the Final 4 round, by taking a 62-48 deficit from the South Carolina Gamecocks. And by the postgame conference, UConn coach knew exactly why his squad got floored.

“This is a different South Carolina team than the one we played last year”, said Auriemma. “Our two wins against them last year don't really mean anything going into tomorrow. The way that game was played has no bearing on tomorrow.”

While the Huskies’ offense collapsed gradually, “it was really hard to prepare for” a comeback throughout the game. UConn Guard Azzi Fudd only added 8 points and 5 assists. While Sarah Strong struggled to score as well, coming with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Surely the Gamecocks “have added some really key pieces” and “shot the ball exceptionally well”. But their towering size also challenged the Huskies defensively. Moreover, it wasn’t just the game that was heated.

Geno Auriemma Had a Heated Interaction With the Gamecocks HC

So, UConn struggled both offensively and defensively, key players fell short, and the Gamecocks’ defensive tactics didn’t let the Huskies find their usual rhythm. What was next? Well, the on-court tension spread among the coaches pretty fast.

Postgame, Auriemma and Staley had a heated conversation where the coaching staff had to separate them. The reason, per Geno, was a perceived pregame handshake protocol violation and disagreements regarding officiating.

However, Staley gave a blunt response, saying, “He's the one who initiated the conversation. I don't know what happened there to dampen what we were able to accomplish today.” And given how the Gamecocks played, that was a well-deserved win.

Moving further, both coach will put the matter behind them and prepare their teams for the next encounter.

Do you think UConn will be able to come back stronger next time, whenever that comes?

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy