PHOENIX — UConn coach Geno Auriemma issued an apology Saturday after his fiery interaction with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley in the final moments of the Gamecocks’ Final Four win.

Auriemma said there was “no excuse” for his emotional outburst.

“It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut,” Auriemma said in a statement. “I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted.”

Auriemma approached Staley moments before the horn sounded on South Carolina’s 62-48 win that advanced the Gamecocks to their fourth national championship game in five years. 

Staley appeared caught off guard when Auriemma accused her of not shaking his hand promptly before the game. The moment intensified as the two engaged in a heated exchange.

Their staffs and officials had to separate the two coaches.

Auriemma’s meltdown started before the fourth quarter when he told ESPN reporter Holly Rowe that South Carolina was “beating the shit out of our guys” before he took aim at Staley. 

“I’m not making excuses cause we haven’t been able to make shot. But this is ridiculous,” Auriemma said. “Their coach rants and raves on the sidelines and calls the referees some names you don’t want to hear.” 

After the game, Staley brushed off the interaction and told reporters to “ask Geno” since he initiated the incident. 

Auriemma stoked the flames repeatedly throughout his postgame availability. 

He again took issue with the officiating.  

“I’m of the opinion that if I ever talk to an official like that, I would get tossed,” he said regarding how he claimed to hear Staley speaking to officials. “So I just want to make sure there’s not a double standard.” 

He was also angry that Sarah Strong’s jersey was ripped in the second half, though cameras caught the UConn forward tearing it herself in frustration.

Auriemma continued to defend his actions after the game — even doubling down when pressed about holes in his story.

Less than 12 hours later, though, Auriemma apologized to South Carolina’s staff. It’s not immediately clear if he spoke directly with Staley, who was notably not named in his statement. 

“The story should be how well South Carolina played and I don’t want my actions to detract from that,” Auriemma said. “I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them.”

Staley didn’t dwell on Auriemma’s antics and said she moved on from the matter for now.

“For me no distractions at this time,” she said Saturday. “Concentrating on winning the national championship. That’s it.”

Staley also said that, “At some point everything is going to be addressed. Today, this weekend won’t be one of them.”