UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma bluntly called out the official for calling a foul on Jonquel Jones, which favored Paige Bueckers. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game between the Dallas Wings and New York Liberty when Bueckers ran into a screen set by Jones with 4:23 left. After the Wings star hit the floor, Jones seemed to call her out for flopping.
Auriemma, who returned to the commentator’s booth for this contest, questioned the legitimacy of the whistle.
“I don’t know what’s illegal about that,” he said. “Am I missing something? I don’t know what’s illegal about that.”
X user @ericaf455 shared the video of this incident with Auriemma’s comments:
It seemed to be a legal screen as Jones had her feet set. Bueckers may have hit the ground after, as she was chasing Marine Johannes at full speed over the screen and couldn’t pivot in time to avoid contact with Jones.
The whistle seemed pretty balanced overall, as the Wings were called for 17 fouls while the Liberty committed 18. However, New York had the edge in the free-throw battle with 22 trips to the foul line over Dallas’ 12.
The Wings ultimately won 88-77 with Paige Bueckers tallying 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Jonquel Jones finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, while shooting 6-for-11.
Geno Auriemma shares heartfelt feelings about calling Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Breanna Stewart’s game
Geno Auriemma couldn’t feel prouder about his programme’s stars, Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Breanna Stewart, shining in the pros. After earning the opportunity to call their game on Tuesday, Auriemma shared his heartfelt feelings about the occasion on SportsCenter.
“It’s like watching your kids when they’re really, really successful when they get older,” Auriemma said. “It’s something you always want for them, something you always wish that could happen to them and now here you are watching them live out their dream. For me, the wins are great, the championships are great, but the memories that are being created are the best part.”
X user @AzziArchive shared the video of Auriemma’s SportsCenter interview:
Auriemma returned to the commentator’s booth after 30 years. He covered the first-ever WNBA game on Jun. 23, 1997, alongside Robin Roberts, who joined him for Tuesday’s game as well.
His former stars didn’t disappoint. Paige Bueckers displayed a well-rounded game, despite her shooting struggles (33.3% from the field), while Azzi Fudd had another solid two-way game with 12 points, three assists and two steals. She shot a respectable 46.2% from the field.
Breanna Stewart had the best game of all, with 29 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while shooting 62.5%.
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