Geno Auriemma’s Huskies Dominate UCLA, Set Stage for National Title Clash with South Carolina
Geno Auriemma made history Friday night by coaching in his record-breaking 24th Final Four, and his No. 2 seed UConn Huskies made sure it was a memorable one, crushing top-seeded UCLA 85-51 in a statement win.
Shortly after the game, Auriemma spoke with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, reflecting on the victory and looking ahead to the national championship showdown against South Carolina, who advanced earlier with a 74-57 win over Texas.
The legendary coach revealed he had reminded his team before tipoff that he held an 11-12 record in Final Four games—a rare blemish on an otherwise iconic résumé. But Auriemma made it clear: that record doesn’t define his legacy or his team.
“You can’t prepare somebody for something that they’ve never experienced,” Auriemma said. “You just have to have faith that they’re just going to keep doing what they did today and the rest of the season, and if it’s good enough, then we’re gonna be national champions. And if it’s not good enough, then we just shake their hand and say congratulations.”
The trust Auriemma has in his players begins with his star: Paige Bueckers, the three-time All-American guard, who’s now one win away from capturing her first national championship.
Bueckers delivered a strong performance in the semifinal, putting up 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the dominant win over UCLA. She’ll now turn her focus to South Carolina, a team known for its size, depth, and physicality.
With momentum on their side and leadership from one of the game’s greatest coaches, the Huskies are locked in for a thrilling championship battle.
