Geno Auriemma issues big Sarah Strong warning after UConn's Final Four loss

The UConn Huskies' road to back-to-back championships has officially come to an end.

Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks finally got back at them, putting together a strong defensive effort in a hard-fought 62-48 win on Friday.

Notably, sophomore guard Sarah Strong had an odd off night, going just 4-for-16 from the floor to drop 12 points in 40 minutes.  That's why, following the game, she shouldered the blame for not being able to give Azzi Fudd and the senior stars a proper send-off:

"I would say I am just disappointed in myself," Strong said, per the CT  Insider. "I just could have done better for them. I feel bad to have to send Azzi (Fudd) and the rest of the seniors out without a win. I’m just disappointed." 

Geno Auriemma says Sarah Strong will lead UConn back to the Final Four

Still, that's not how her coach feels. If anything, Geno Auriemma knows it's a matter of time before Strong leads the team back to the top.

"I don't think Sarah Strong needs me to put any fire or motivation or anything into her. We'll be back here next year and she'll make sure of that," Auriemma said after the loss, per Avery Becker of UCTV Sports.

Strong had been one of the most impressive players in the nation this season, averaging 18.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on 58.2% from the floor and 40.4% from beyond the arc, per Sports Reference. 

The Huskies had won 54 consecutive games dating back to last season, including a blowout win over the Gamecocks in the national championship game.

Now, Dawn Staley's team will square off with the UCLA Bruins on Sunday for the ultimate glory.