No need for jitters for UConn coach heading U.S. team

Despite winning seven NCAA titles at Connecticut, Geno Auriemma admitted he was nervous before coaching his first world championship game. The U.S. team quickly eased those nerves with a 99-73 win over Greece on Thursday in the opening round of the women’s basketball worlds in the Czech Republic. “This is difficult because first you’re not coaching at UConn where only the people in Connecticut care, now you’re coaching a team where everybody in America cares if you win,” said Auriemma, whose UConn teams have won a NCAA-record 78 games in two seasons. “I was probably more nervous today than before the national championship game back in April.” Angel McCoughtry and Swin Cash each scored 16 points to lead the U.S.

– Associated Press