Auriemma Apologizes After Final Four Run-In with Staley

0:00It's April 5th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Global News today, your AI-powered world briefing. Yukon coach Geno Aurema issued an apology after a tense run-in with South Carolina's Don Staley at the end of their women's final four match-up. South Carolina beat Yukon, 62-48 on Friday night, and in the closing seconds, Aurema approached Staley looking upset, leading, coaches from both sides to step in and separate them. He then headed straight to the locker room, without the usual post-game handshakes. The flashpoint seemed to stem from a pre-game handshake mix-up. NCAA rules call for coaches to meet at mid-court after lineups are announced, but while they shook hands earlier, it didn't happen right after intros. Which apparently bothered Aurema. Staley brushed it off Saturday morning, saying she's laser-focused on South Carolina's national title game against UCLA on Sunday. She called it disheartening, with typical sports heat, stressing her integrity and commitment to her team, without dwelling on the drama.

1:02Aurema owned up in his statement, calling his reaction uncalled for, and out of character for Yukon standards. He praised South Carolina's strong play, and wants to keep their good staff relationship intact, without stealing their spotlight. South Carolina is now chasing their third title in five years, and the NCAA will review tournament incidents after it's all done. These two teams are scheduled to clash again next season in Connecticut, so expect some lingering storylines as the game cocks gear up for that. Championship Push