Geno Auriemma’s top-seeded UConn opened its 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament with a dominant 90-52 win over No. 16 seed in the first round on Saturday. The Huskies are the reigning national champions, and Auriemma is hunting for his 13th championship this season.
On Monday, UConn legend Diana Taurasi appeared on “Yahoo Sports Daily” and offered an insight into Auriemma’s ruthless mentality that has transformed him into a perennial winner.
“There is no one that I’ve ever met, that is more competitive than him (Auriemma),” Taurasi said. “He’s just competitive; he wants to beat everyone. He wants to be the best coach in the country. He wants the best players. … It’s really simple for him.”
Taurasi also said that Auriemma, 72, doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon, adding that the veteran coach still has the hunger to keep winning championships.
Taurasi played under Auriemma at UConn from 2000 to 2004. She won three national championships in her final three years with the Huskies.
The Phoenix Mercury took Taurasi with the No. 1 pick in the 2004 WNBA draft. She played with them for 20 years and won three WNBA championships.
Geno Auriemma’s UConn Will Face Syracuse in the Second Round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament
Geno Auriemma’s UConn will square off against No. 9-seed Syracuse in the second round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament on Monday. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m. ET from Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Mansfield, Connecticut.
UConn is considered the clear favorite to advance to the Sweet 16. However, Syracuse will want to cause an upset of its own. The Orange took down Iowa State 72-63 in the first round of March Madness to advance to the Round of 32.
Here are the key details for the UConn vs. Syracuse clash:
- Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Venue: Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Mansfield, Connecticut
- TV channel: ESPN
Read More News:
Kim Mulkey’s LSU Make NCAA Tournament History in Massive 58-Point Win vs Jacksonville
Women’s March Madness Announcers Today: Full Broadcast Teams for 2026 NCAA Tournament Round 1
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
