Overview
- Auriemma, who faced backlash for confronting Staley in Friday’s Final Four semifinal, issued a statement Saturday apologizing to South Carolina’s staff and team.
- He did not mention Staley by name in the apology, calling his reaction uncalled for and saying the focus should be on how well South Carolina played.
- The confrontation erupted in the final seconds near midcourt, staff separated the coaches, and Auriemma left without joining the postgame handshake line.
- During the game he criticized officiating and later claimed Staley skipped a pregame handshake, though broadcast video showed a brief pregame greeting.
- Staley said she would move on and focus on Sunday’s championship against UCLA, after South Carolina’s 62-48 win ended UConn’s 54-game streak and undefeated season.