Legendary UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma is usually composed in high-pressure moments, especially later in his career after accomplishing nearly everything in college basketball.
However, he went viral Friday night during a mid-game interview at the end of the third quarter of the Final Four rematch against the South Carolina Gamecocks, a repeat of last year’s national championship that UConn won.
With South Carolina holding a lead over undefeated UConn heading into the fourth quarter, Auriemma unleashed a critique of the officiating in an interview with Holly Rowe and called out South Carolina coach Dawn Staley for her sideline behavior. The Huskies were whistled for six third-quarter fouls, while the Gamecocks were called for none.
“There were six fouls called that quarter, all against us,” Auriemma said. “They’ve been beating the [expletive] out of our guys the entire game. I’m not making excuses because we haven’t been able to make a shot, but this is ridiculous. Their coach rants and raves on the sideline, calls the refs names you don’t want to hear, and now we get six to zero. I’ve got a kid with a ripped jersey and they go, ‘I didn’t see it.’ Come on, man. This is for the national championship.”
More news: LeBron James Reveals What Would Force Him to Retire From the NBA
More news: DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $200 Bonus for Any NBA, MLB Game Friday
Fans reacted to Auriemma’s rant:
“Geno is a truth teller. That’s why his teams win. Gotta tell some truth right now,” a fan said.
Someone else added, “He normally doesn’t crash out like this so I’d believe him.”
Another person wrote, “Geno been coaching long enough to know when to go at the refs and when to let it go. him saying this mid-game in a Final Four tells you he’s seen something bad enough to risk the T.”
“Dawn is in your head Geno!! Go cocks!!!” A fan shared.
One more commented, “I love Geno but this is embarrassing.”
Staley and Auriemma have faced off many times over the years, and while the refereeing wasn’t ideal Friday night, South Carolina simply played the better game.
UConn struggled offensively, unusually cold from the floor, shooting an abysmal 19-for-61 from the field en route to a South Carolina 62-48 victory, advancing to the national championship and handing Auriemma and UConn their first and only loss of the season.
More news: Kalshi Promo Code NEWSWEEK: Get $10 Bonus For MLB, NBA Trades Friday
