INDIANAPOLIS –Connecticut men's basketball coach Dan Hurleysaid Geno Auriemma "should get the benefit of the doubt" afterhis altercation with Dawn Staleyat the women's Final Four.
Hurley was asked about Auriemma following his team'swin in the men's Final Four against Illinoison Saturday, April 4. Known for his bold, emotional antics on the sidelines, Hurley joked "obviously I've had a negative influence on Geno." He added it was crazy because "Geno has helped me so much," and he credited how Auriemma handled the fallout from it.
"Geno, the way handled the whole thing, such a stand up guy with the way he handled itwith the statement, and he's one of the classiest people," Hurley said. "If any one should get the benefit of the doubt in the world of sports, it's Geno Auriemma, because he's one of the most authentic, genuine, great people you'll ever meet in your life."
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The Final Four matchup between South Carolina and UConn was played with intensity throughout, with emotions building as the game reached its closing stretch.That tension surfaced late as the outcome was decided, leading to visible reactions and an exchange between two of women's basketball's most prominent coaches.
Above, UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley react during the second half of the 2026 Women's Final Four semifinal at Mortgage Matchup Center." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks and head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies exchange words during the fourth quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
The Final Four matchup between South Carolina and UConn was played with intensity throughout, withemotions building as the game reached its closing stretch.That tension surfaced late as the outcome was decided, leading to visible reactions and an exchange between two of women's basketball's most prominent coaches.Above, UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley react during the second half of the 2026 Women's Final Four semifinal at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Just as the previously undefeated UConn women were about to officially lose to South Carolina in the national semifinal on Friday, April 3, Auriemma hada heated end-of-game exchange with Staleyas they went to shake hands, resulting in him heading to the locker room without shaking Staley or her team's hands.
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That happened after Auriemma took a shot at Staley when complaining about the officiating during the game to ESPN's Holly Rowe. He said "their coach rants and raves on the sideline and calls the referees some names you don't want to hear" and "I got a kid with a ripped jersey and (the refs) go, 'I didn't see it.'" The player with the ripped jersey was Sarah Strong, who said she actually ripped the jersey herself.
After much scrutiny,Auriemma apologized for his actionson Saturday, April 4.
In his statement, Auriemma said "there's no excuse" for how he handled the situation and said it was uncalled for how he acted.
Staley and South Carolina did not have much to say about the situation when speaking to media one day before the Gameocks play UCLA in the national championship game, with Staley saying it wasn't a distraction to the team.
"Just continue to focus on our team and their ability to advance in this tournament. And hopefully win another national championship," Staley said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Dan Hurley says Geno Auriemma 'should get the benefit of the doubt'