No. 2 UConn women's basketball prepares for season after tough Final Four loss

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 7:59 PM

Last updated Oct 22, 2026

No. 2 UConn women's basketball prepares for season after tough Final Four loss
Summary

UConn women's basketball, ranked No. 2 in the AP preseason poll, is gearing up for the new season following an emotional Final Four loss to South Carolina last year. The team, led by returning players Sarah Strong, KK Arnold, and Ashlynn Shade, aims to bounce back after scoring only 48 points in the semifinals—their lowest in NCAA Tournament history. Coach Geno Auriemma reflected on last season's challenges and the team's need for improvement. UConn plans to face South Carolina again on November 24 at Mohegan Sun Arena, where a previous exchange between Auriemma and South Carolina's Dawn Staley remains a focal point for fans and media.

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By the Numbers
  • •UConn lost to South Carolina in last year's Final Four.
  • •Coach Geno Auriemma identified team deficiencies after the loss.
  • •Sarah Strong and KK Arnold are key returning players.
  • •UConn will play South Carolina on November 24 at Mohegan Sun.
  • •The team features promising freshmen and returning players after key departures.
Latest Updates
  • 7:59 PMYahoo Sports — No. 2 UConn is ready to make another title run after emotions boiled over after the Final Four loss
What they're saying
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Video of the exchange between Auriemma and Staley is sure to become front-page news again when the teams meet at Mohegan Sun Arena on Nov. 24.

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