UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma couldn’t contain his frustration over the officiating in Thursday’s game at Tennessee.
With UConn leading 40-36 at halftime, Auriemma was furious when ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked him how he was going to address putting the Lady Vols on the free throw line after the Huskies racked up eight personal fouls and Tennessee went on a 19-7 run before the half. Rowe also noted that prior to the game, Auriemma told her UConn couldn’t send their opponent to the line for extra points.
“How do I address it? How do I address it? You don’t address it,” Auriemma said. “This is what you get when you come down here. The game was called one way, then it changed. Nothing else changed. We didn’t change. Nothing else changed.”
Auriemma, who was pointing and waving his arms in the interview, then walked off.
UConn went on to defeat the Lady Vols, 84-67, extending its win streak to 12 games. The Huskies’ starting five was responsible for all of their points.
UConn forwards Lou Lopez Senechal and Aaliyah Edwards combined for 51 points, while Aubrey Griffin and Dorka Juhasz added 13 points each.
Lopez Senechal has been a force on offense for No. 5 Connecticut — especially with an injury-riddled Huskies team that is without Paige Bueckers (ACL) and Azzi Fudd (knee) — and has scored in double-digits each game this season.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma reacts to a play during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Jan. 26, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. AP
UConn forward Lou Lopez Senechal shoots over Tennessee guard Jordan Walker during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Jan. 26, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. AP“Lou’s Lou, man,” Auriemma said of the senior guard not being fazed by the rivalry game. “She’s not going to get any All-America votes, but I don’t know anybody who has been more important to their team in America than she’s been to us.”
UConn (19-2) host Villanova (18-3) on Sunday.
