UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley react in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Sideline video reveals Dawn Staley's message for Geno Auriemma after heated confrontation

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 12:02 PM ET

Dawn Staley had a strong message for Geno Auriemma during their confrontation on Friday night.

Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks beat Auriemma’s UConn Huskies 62-48 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, to advance to the championship game of the NCAA Tournament.

Things got heated after the game when Auriemma confronted Staley. Apparently Staley was not holding back either.

A video has circulated that shows the interaction between the coaches, as well as Staley’s reaction. The South Carolina coach was heard repeating, “I will beat Geno’s a–” after the confrontation.

Crazy moment between Geno and Dawn. pic.twitter.com/CspinsnxDz
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) April 4, 2026

What was the confrontation about? Auriemma, who was probably more annoyed about losing than anything else, vented about Staley not coming to shake his hand prior to the game as is custom at the Final Four. The two had already done so once, but Auriemma was expecting Staley to do so again after the pregame introductions were conducted, as is tradition. Staley didn’t follow, and that apparently irked Auriemma — as did the result.

UConn suffered its first loss of the season and ends the campaign 38-1. South Carolina, which is now 36-3, moves on to face 36-1 UCLA in the championship on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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