Auriemma Expresses Regret Over Staley Confrontation

More than a month after UConn's women's basketball team fell to South Carolina 62-48 in the NCAA Tournament Final Four in Phoenix, Huskies coach Geno Auriemma expressed deep regret over his heated confrontation with Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley at the game's end.

The incident unfolded in the final seconds following the buzzer, when Auriemma approached Staley on the court. Coaches from both teams intervened to separate them. Auriemma, a Hall of Famer with 11 national titles, later walked directly to the locker room without exchanging handshakes with South Carolina players or staff. He has cited frustrations including a perceived pregame handshake snub by Staley, South Carolina's physical style of play and what he viewed as her influencing officials.

Staley dismissed the pregame issue at the time, telling reporters, "I speak to a lot of coaches before the game. I thought I did what I normally do." Auriemma apologized publicly several days after the game and has since spoken with Staley about the matter.

In comments to reporters Monday on the UConn campus, Auriemma reflected on the moment with self-criticism. "When I walked into the locker room afterward with the coaches, you are...