Dawn Staley was not happy with coach Geno Auriemma during the fourth quarter of Friday night’s Final Four showdown between the South Carolina Gamecocks and UConn Huskies. Auriemma confronted Staley in an inexplicable moment during the game, as the Huskies were falling apart on the court.

Auriemma claims he was upset that Staley didn’t shake his hand before the game, which she did, which led to a sideline blowout. It was an unfortunate moment between the legendary coaches, which became a talking point after the Gamecocks upset UConn to advance to the national championship.

While the incident was being discussed on social media, a viral video surfaced that showed courtside footage of Staley’s reaction to Auriemma crossing the line.

MORE: Geno Auriemma meltdown ripped by ESPN’s Andraya Carter, Chiney Ogwumike

Staley was understandably upset with Auriemma’s stunt and let out a hilarious reaction to the situation. “I’m gonna beat Geno’s ass,” Staley yelled as she was talking to her staff.

“I’m gonna beat Geno’s ass”

I believe her 😭😭😭 https://t.co/Krfygc3zz9pic.twitter.com/apW9OYfZse

— correlation (@nosyone4) April 4, 2026

No one can blame Staley for being irked by Auriemma, who stormed off the court immediately after the final whistle without shaking hands with the Gamecocks or consoling his players.

“You can ask Geno the question,” Staley, who was an assistant coach under Auriemma for the 2016 Rio Olympics, said when asked about the confrontation. “He’s the one that initiated the conversation. I don’t want what happened there to dampen what we were able to accomplish today.”

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Auriemma will have plenty of time to reflect on the moment, with the Huskies now eliminated from the tournament.

Staley and the Gamecocks, meanwhile, will turn their attention to Sunday afternoon, where they will face off against the UCLA Bruins for the title. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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