Geno Auriemma Takes Blame for UConn WCBB Title Drought Ahead of South Carolina Matchup

UConn women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma took the blame for the Huskies' relatively long title drought compared to the rest of their history.

"I've lost more Final Fours for my team than they have, because coaches make decisions about what to do with their team," Auriemma said Saturday, per ESPN's Michael Voepel. "And if you make the right decision, you win."

UConn secured a lopsided 85-51 victory over UCLA in the Final Four on Friday and is set to face off against South Carolina in the national championship game.

The Huskies' 11 national titles are the most all-time, three more than Tennessee at No. 2.

They won four consecutive national championships with Auriemma from 2013-16, but they haven't emerged victorious in March Madness since.

UConn advanced to the Final Four in both 2017 and 2018 but couldn't punch its ticket to the national title game, losing both contests by a combined four points.

"I don't look at those two as heartbreaking frustrations," Auriemma said, via Voepel. "I would have if I didn't make two decisions in both of those games that I think have more to do with us losing than those two buzzer-beaters."

The Huskies finally returned to compete for a national championship in 2022, falling to the Gamecocks by the final score of 64-49. Now, they'll be looking for revenge.

UConn has been led by standout guard Paige Bueckers once again during its 2024-25 campaign, as the senior has averaged 20.0 points and 4.7 assists per game on 53.9/42.4/88.2 shooting splits.

The Huskies also own the best scoring defense in the country, allowing just 52.0 points per game.

Auriemma's squad will attempt to clinch a national title against South Carolina on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.