Syracuse Coach Condemns NCAA Bracket as 'Personal Attack'

The Syracuse Orange suffered a 98-45 defeat to the UConn Huskies in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut. It marks the third straight year Syracuse has been eliminated by UConn in the tournament.

Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack expressed frustration during her post-game press conference, stating the repeated matchups were unacceptable. She argued the team deserved more respect after a 24-8 season and 37 years of coaching experience.

Legette-Jack questioned whether bias within the selection committee influenced the bracket placement, noting the team’s past loss to UConn in the 2019 Sweet 16 while coaching Buffalo. She emphasized her desire for her players to have a fair chance at advancing beyond the regional level.

UConn, led by Geno Auriemma, recorded a record 31-0 run in the first half, leading 65-12 at halftime before easing up in the second half. Azzi Fudd scored a career-high 34 points, including eight three-pointers, in her final home game.

UConn now advances to face UNC in the Sweet 16-only the second meeting between the two teams in tournament history.