Gamecocks Outplay UConn, Ending Huskies' Undefeated Season

Tensions flare between coaches Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley after South Carolina's 62-48 win in the Final Four

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:48am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric representation of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, red, and gold colors overlapping to capture the intensity of the matchup.The intense clash between coaching rivals Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley reflects the high-stakes drama of the women's basketball Final Four.Today in Tampa

In a highly anticipated matchup between two elite defensive teams, South Carolina defeated UConn 62-48 in the Final Four, ending the Huskies' undefeated season. The game was marked by tensions between the coaches, Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley, who exchanged words on the sideline. Auriemma was critical of Staley's interactions with the officials, while Staley's Gamecocks defense stifled UConn's high-powered offense, led by Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the growing rivalry between the two powerhouse women's basketball programs, UConn and South Carolina. The Gamecocks have emerged as a new force in the sport, winning three national championships and making five title game appearances in the last six years. Their victory over the perennial champion Huskies underscores their status as an elite program and sets the stage for a highly anticipated championship game.

The details

South Carolina's defense was the key to the game, forcing UConn to put the ball on the floor and limiting their ability to get open shots for their lethal shooters. The Gamecocks held UConn to just 31% shooting, with Strong and Fudd combining to go 7-of-31 from the field. South Carolina was also able to avoid fouling, sending UConn to the free-throw line just six times, compared to 22 attempts for the Gamecocks.

  • Auriemma took issue with Staley not meeting him at center court during in-arena coach introductions after the starting lineups.
  • In the second quarter, Staley lit into the referees heavily with some stern words for two foul calls on Raven Johnson within one minute.
  • Auriemma then came to center court and screamed toward them, 'Is she allowed to talk to you like that? No.'

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, a legendary figure in women's basketball with 12 national championships.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, a three-time national champion who has built South Carolina into a powerhouse program.

Sarah Strong

The National Player of the Year and star player for the UConn Huskies.

Azzi Fudd

The fifth-year senior guard for the UConn Huskies, who was playing in her final Final Four.

Raven Johnson

The South Carolina Gamecocks player who drew two fouls in quick succession, leading to Staley's heated exchange with the officials.

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What they’re saying

“I just said what I had to say.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“I think that's a Geno question.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

“It was actually far greater than I envisioned.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

What’s next

South Carolina will play in the national championship game on Sunday, seeking their fourth title in program history.

The takeaway

This game showcased the growing rivalry between two of the top women's basketball programs in the country. The Gamecocks' defensive masterclass and Auriemma's heated exchange with Staley added to the drama, setting the stage for an anticipated championship matchup.