The biggest rivalry in women’s college basketball is down to two names: Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley. But ahead of their Final Four clash, one of them is doing everything he can to pretend it doesn’t exist.

With less than 24 hours left in what promises to be an early championship game, coach Auriemma addressed the narrative that has followed this rivalry for years.

“I’ve been around so long that there’s certainly been a lot of ’em,” he said. “And I think every matchup, every time we play South Carolina, there’s always that. I’ve been through this many times with other coaches, and I never want it to be Geno and Dawn, Geno and this, Geno and that. I’ve tried really, really hard over the years to not make it about that ever again.”

But that’s the thing about this matchup. No matter how much Geno Auriemma tries to shift the focus, history will keep pulling it right back. Because this isn’t just another game. Just a year ago, UConn dismantled South Carolina 82–59 on the biggest stage, denying Staley and the Gamecocks a national title.

When it comes to the history between them, the numbers lean slightly toward Auriemma. UConn holds an 8–4 record in regular-season meetings and a 2–1 advantage in NCAA Tournament matchups between the two.

But if there’s one thing, it’s that none of that matters now.

“This is a different South Carolina team,” Auriemma admitted. “Our two wins against them last year don’t really mean anything going into tomorrow… They have added some really key pieces. I think they’re a much better team than they were last year.”

And he’s not wrong.

This version of South Carolina enters with a 35–3 record and a clear sense of unfinished business. On the other side, UConn is still undefeated at 38–0, looking just as dominant as ever. However, on the stats sheet, there’s barely anything separating the two.

UConn is averaging 87.9 points per game, while South Carolina is at 87.1.

But where the Huskies create a gap is on the defensive end. They’ve held opponents to just 50.1 points per game, whereas the Gamecocks are at 57.5. That difference could quietly decide everything. So when they finally meet, it won’t be about the past; it’ll be about who shows up in the moment and takes the victory home.

Kevin Durant’s Take on UConn Adds to the Hype Around Geno Auriemma’s Squad

As the spotlight grows brighter around the UConn Huskies ahead of their biggest game, even voices in the NBA are starting to weigh in.

Following the recent news of the WNBA franchise, Connecticut Sun potentially relocating from Connecticut, superstar Kevin Durant shared a message that quickly caught everyone’s attention. While acknowledging the loss for fans, he pointed to one constant that still defines the state’s basketball identity.

“But they’ve got UConn basketball — they’ll be alright,” Durant said according to CT Insider.

And well, it’s true. The Sun might soon become the Houston Comets, so the fans in Connecticut will lose their state representative in the Women’s National Basketball Association. But with Geno Auriemma’s program continuing to dominate, basketball relevance in the state isn’t going anywhere.

So when the Huskies head coach was asked about KD’s thoughts. He said, “That is a heck of a compliment from KD. But I think that’s one of the advantages that we have up in Connecticut, that UConn basketball, men’s and women’s, are pro franchises.”

In a state without an NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL team, UConn basketball has been the go-to team for the fans. And the program has consistently given them a reason to be proud by producing elite talent.

“So we don’t have a WNBA team, we don’t have an NBA team… but we have UConn basketball,” he added. “Maybe that’s why this is the sixth time that our men and women have been in a Final Four at the same time. Because we are a pro franchise. We’ve always been a pro franchise.”

On one side, you have a rivalry rooted in history, legacy, and championships. On the other hand, you have one of the greatest players in the world recognizing just how powerful that legacy still is. So with everything on the line, the Huskies are carrying the expectations of the whole state.