Staley calls for closure after tense final four clash with auriemma

South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley has urged fans and media to move past the fiery exchange with Connecticut counterpart Geno auriemma following their semifinal showdown at the NCAA tournament.

Respect despite rancor

In a statement posted on South Carolina's social media channels, Staley acknowledged the lingering tension between the two coaching legends.

Despite their contentious postgame encounter, Staley expressed her deep respect for auriemma, crediting him with elevating women's basketball through his storied career at UConn.