Geno Auriemma got emotional after the third quarter on Friday night in Phoenix, taking shots at Final Four officials and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley during an interview with ESPN.
With the Huskies trailing by five in their Final Four matchup against the Gamecocks in Phoenix, Auriemma had a rare outburst against the referees and Staley during an interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe.
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Previously, South Carolina committed six fouls in the third quarter while the Huskies did not earn any. UConn star Sarah Strong also had to be replaced after her jersey tore in the quarter.
“There were six fouls in that quarter, all of them against us. They were beating the shit out of our guys the whole game,” Auriemma said. “I’m not making excuses because we couldn’t make a shot. But it was ridiculous.
“Their coach was yelling and yelling on the sideline and calling the refs some names you don’t want to hear. Now we’re 6-0 and my kid’s jersey is ripped and they’re gone and I don’t see it. Come on, man, this is for a national championship!”
Strong was seen tearing her jersey at the baseline, but it’s unclear if there was a slight tear before that. However, she burst into tears and wore No. 55 for the remainder of the game.
UConn enters Friday night’s game, a rematch of last season’s national championship game, with a perfect 38-0 record.
Staley, who is finishing her 18th season with the Gamecocks, was spotted repeatedly badgering the referees earlier in the game but was not repercussed. It’s unclear exactly what “name” Staley was referring to that Auriemma was referring to.
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This article will be updated soon with more information.