On December 23, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb received a thoughtful message from UConn coach Geno Auriemma following a significant victory. Just two days prior, USC managed to defeat UConn by a narrow margin of two points in Hartford, a feat that is no small accomplishment. The text from Auriemma conveyed his admiration for USC's performance, stating, "Hey, I was just thinking about what a great win that was for you and your program." This interaction highlighted the camaraderie and respect shared between the two coaches, even amidst a competitive landscape.
Reflecting on the moment, Gottlieb recalled, "We were on our Christmas break, and I was at a Christmas party or something." She emphasized the importance of Auriemma's message, noting that it takes a strong individual to acknowledge a rival's success. "It was a big win for our program at their place," Gottlieb noted, reinforcing the idea that acknowledging achievements can foster a positive sportsmanship culture.
The paths of the USC Trojans and UConn Huskies would intersect once more just before the Final Four in Tampa. In a rematch held in Spokane, Washington, the top-seeded USC faced off against the second-seeded UConn. Last year, UConn eliminated USC in the Elite Eight, but USC sought revenge with their December victory. However, the December rematch saw UConn emerge victorious with a score of 78-64, showcasing the strength of a different USC team that was missing key player JuJu Watkins, who had recently torn her ACL.
UConn’s performance was led by star player Paige Bueckers, who scored an impressive 31 points, alongside freshman Sarah Strong, who contributed significantly with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Despite the loss, Gottlieb remained proud of her team's efforts, stating, "It would have been easy to be upset about the outcome, disappointed and frustrated." She acknowledged the challenges the Trojans faced, especially without their standout player.
Gottlieb expressed admiration for UConn's defense, stating, "UConn made it hard on us." She recognized that the Huskies came prepared and executed their game plan effectively. UConn's track record of success, with their 24th trip to the Final Four and 16th appearance in the last 17 seasons, is a testament to their resilience and skill.
In his post-game comments, Auriemma also extended respect towards USC, acknowledging the difficulties they faced without Watkins. "It's not easy, I've been there," he remarked, commending the Trojans for their determination and ability to fight back, even when down by 19 points. This mutual respect between the coaches and teams highlights the sportsmanship that exists in college basketball.
UConn is set to face UCLA on Friday night in Tampa, with the game scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Although Gottlieb is familiar with both teams, she refrained from making any bold predictions. "I think it will be a really intriguing matchup," she stated, noting that the contrasting styles of play would likely lead to a high-scoring game. "If I had to guess, there'll be more points scored in that game than the Texas-South Carolina game," she added, highlighting the excitement surrounding this upcoming clash.
This matchup promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament, featuring two elite teams with unique playing styles. As both UConn and USC continue to navigate the challenges of the season, the respect and admiration between the coaches and players serve as a reminder of the spirit of competition.
