Watch Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma heated altercation in tense Final Four battle

The NCAA college basketball’s March Madness brings out the best in all athletes. It also creates heated moments fueled by the passion of competition.

On Friday night, the women’s basketball Final Four featured a matchup between UConn and South Carolina. South Carolina pulled away with the victory, and tensions flared immediately afterward.

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Head coach Dawn Staley and head coach Geno Auriemma exchanged handshakes at the final buzzer. Auriemma said something to Staley that she did not receive well.

The two engaged in a heated argument before assistant coaches separated them. The game was an emotional, hard-fought battle deep into the March Madness tournament.

ESPN captured the exchange, and fans quickly reacted to the scene. Fans and media alike have criticized Auriemma, who many refer to by his first name.

It remains unclear what exactly led to the sudden rise in emotions. However, ESPN interviewed Auriemma immediately after the game.

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Not only did he express disappointment in the officiating during the third quarter, but he also pointed to Dawn’s alleged behavior. He told ESPN, “”Their coach rants and raves on the sidelines and calls the referees some names you don’t want to hear.”

That moment may have stayed with him throughout the night as his team battled through a tough game. UConn has had a number of memorable March Madness moments across both its men’s and women’s basketball programs.

Perhaps tonight will not be one for the memory bank during UConn’s otherwise incredible basketball season.