Dawn Staley made a show of proper pregame etiquette in the women's national championship, embracing UCLA's Cori Close before introductions after facing criticism from UConn's Geno Auriemma for skipping traditional handshake protocols during their Final Four meeting. The Gamecocks coach then gestured to the crowd as if to document the moment, continuing the drama that has overshadowed the tournament's final days.

NCAA operations manual requires coaches to meet at midcourt after starting lineups are announced, a protocol Staley didn't follow during South Carolina's win over UConn. Auriemma waited for three minutes before expressing his frustration, saying "For 41 years I've been coaching and, I don't know, 25 Final Fours... The protocol is before the game you meet at halfcourt."

Staley expressed disappointment that the handshake controversy gained so much traction during her team's quest for a third national title in five seasons. "That's a little disheartening," she said. "This is sports, sometimes things like this happen. Continue to focus on my team and ability to advance in this tournament and hopefully win another national championship." Despite the drama, Staley's Gamecocks remained focused on bringing home their third championship in five years.