Brazil military academy offers glimpse of next government

A phrase written on the outer wall of Brazil's most prestigious military academy gives a glimpse at the values held by the incoming government of President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, an ex-army captain whose administration will be rife with generals.

"In order to lead, learn to obey," reads the slogan greeting aspiring military officers arriving at the Agulha Negras Military Academy that educated Bolsonaro and a good chunk of his Cabinet. He takes office on New Year's Day.

Bolsonaro, who waxes nostalgic for Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, makes no bones about his debt to the academy, which he graduated from in 1977. He also attended the army's preparatory school in Campinas, Sao Paulo.

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, Army cadets march during their graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. As Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro prepares to take office on Jan. 1, the Agulha Negras Military Academy offers a glimpse at the values instilled in the far-right ex-army captain during his days as a cadet. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

"I am very happy to be in this house that formed me. I owe almost everything in this life to the beloved Brazilian army," Bolsonaro said Dec. 1 during the annual officer graduation ceremony at the school, which is in Resende in Rio de Janeiro state.

The academy graduates he has named to his government include incoming Vice President Hamilton Mourao, Institutional Security Minister Augusto Heleno, Political Relations with Congress Minister Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, Transparency Minister Wagner dos Campos Rosario and Infrastructure Minister Tarcisio Freitas.

"This is a school of leaders," Gen. Ricardo Costa Neves, the academy's commander, told The Associated Press.

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, a Brazilian Army officer arrives at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy for a graduation ceremony in Resende, Brazil. The school, which opened in 1941, is considered to be the most prestigious military academy in Brazil. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

The academy was founded in 1941, and entering its 27-square-mile (70-square-kilometer) compound finds an imposing silence. Here, discipline is a cornerstone of academic and military formation. In addition to core subjects such as economics, sociology and political science, each cadet receives rigorous physical training, including techniques for surviving in the Amazon rainforest.

Marcelo Morais de Sousa, an army reserve officer, summarized the four main principles inculcated at the academy: truth, integrity, honesty and loyalty.

"Here nobody relinquishes those values; they are a part of the uniform we wear forever," said Morais de Sousa, who trained with Bolsonaro at the academy.

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, a Brazilian Army lieutenant stands in a garden after attending a graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy, AMAN, in Resende, Brazil. At the military academy, some of the president-elect's staunchest supporters are convinced that alum Jair Bolsonaro will stay true to the slogan on the outer wall of AMAN: "In order to lead, learn to obey". (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

In a nation beset by political and economic turmoil after years of entrenched graft, they are precisely the values that helped the tough-talking Bolsonaro cruise to a 10-point victory in October elections.

During the campaign, the soldier-turned-longtime congressman argued he had consistently placed himself at the service of Brazil and noted he had not been accused of corruption despite the far-reaching "Car Wash" scandal that ensnared many in the country's political elite.

He promised to reach out to the military in forming his government and pledged that each of Brazil's 26 state capitals will have at least one military school in operation by the midpoint of his term, up from the current 11.

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro walks past Brazilian Army generals during a graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. Bolsonaro, who waxes nostalgic for Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, makes no bones about his debt to the academy, which he graduated from in 1977. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

These perceived values and pledges led many Brazilians weary of crime and corruption to vote for the far-right politician despite a history of comments seen as homophobic, racist and offensive to women.

Brazil's security forces have been a central focus of Bolsonaro's political career.

During his 27 years as a congressman, issues concerning the military and police accounted for about one-third of his 642 legislative filings. His proposals ranged from improving the benefits and health care of servicemen, including veterans of World War II, to shielding police who use force, even lethal, from prosecution.

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, an Army cadet stands with his colleagues during a graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. In addition to core subjects such as economics, sociology and political science, each cadet receives rigorous physical training, including techniques for surviving in the Amazon rainforest. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

In another proposition in 2013, Bolsonaro called for the lower Chamber of Deputies to have a formal session to mark 50 years since the beginning of the dictatorship.

"The Brazilian people put in the armed forces to defend order, respect for democracy and to avoid the Cubanization that was coming," he wrote, alluding to the 1959 Cuban revolution.

More controversially, the incoming vice president made comments last year that were seen as supporting military intervention as a way of resolving Brazil's political crisis.

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, relatives and friends watch a cadet carry the saber of Duke Caxias, patron of the Brazilian Army, during a graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. The academy educated Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro and a good chunk of his Cabinet. He takes office on Jan. 1. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

But analysts say such military intervention is unlikely.

"The risk of the military exceeding Bolsonaro's power and democracy falling into crisis is very small because today there are institutions in Brazil capable of controlling that," said Carlos Fico, a historian at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro who has studied dictatorships in Latin America.

At the military academy, the president-elect's supporters are convinced Bolsonaro will stay true to the message on its outer wall.

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, a Brazilian Army cadet sings while marching during his graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. The academy was found in 1941. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

"He had a very strong leadership instinct. He was obsessed with things being well-done," Morais recalled of Bolsonaro, before his eyes filled with tears. "Having studied with him makes me feel very honored."

Gustavo Oliveira, a 23-year-old graduate of the academy, said the election of an alumnus gave him hope.

"I am the son of a carpenter and a teacher," he said. "Seeing that (Bolsonaro) came through here means that I can also aspire to a much higher place because the army gives us that opportunity."

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, relatives and friends chat as they wait for the start of a graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, who waxes nostalgic for Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, makes no bones about his debt to the academy, which he graduated from in 1977. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, Brazilian Army cadets greet a colleague, back to the camera, before his graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. The school, which opened in 1941, is considered to be the most prestigious military academy in Brazil. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, a Brazilian Army cadet poses with a relative after his graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. In addition to core subjects such as economics, sociology and political science, each cadet receives rigorous physical training, including techniques for surviving in the Amazon rainforest. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, a Brazilian soldier walks near the entrance of the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. Here, discipline is a cornerstone of academic and military formation, and behavioral infractions can be swiftly punished with suspension of weekend privileges or even expulsion. (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

In this Dec. 1, 2018 photo, Brazilian Army cadet Gustavo Oliveira stands at the presentation court after his graduation ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Resende, Brazil. The 23-year-old graduate said that the election of an alumnus gave him hope. "I am the son of a carpenter and a teacher," he said. "Seeing that he (Jair Bolsonaro) came through here means that I can also aspire to a much higher place because the army gives us that opportunity." (AP PhotoLeo Correa)

PHOENIX (AP) — Dawn Staley and South Carolina are back in the NCAA Tournament title game after knocking off unbeaten UConn and Geno Auriemma in a physical contest that ended with a heated exchange between the game’s most recognizable coaches.

Ta’Niya Latson scored 16 and Agot Makeer added 14 points and South Carolina played stifling defense to beat UConn 62-48 on Friday night, ending the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak.

The Gamecocks have now reached the NCAA championship game in four of the last five seasons, including the past three. They will be looking to win a fourth national title Sunday when they face the winner of the semifinal Texas and UCLA semifinal, capping off another March Madness.

“I thought our players just locked in once we built a little lead. We got suggestions from coaches as to should we change our defense, start switching everything. I’m like, No, this is what is working," Staley said. “Let’s continue to do what’s working.”

As the final seconds ticked down, Auriemma walked down the sideline to shake hands with Staley and had an animated conversation with her while pointing to the floor. Staley yelled back at him as assistants from both teams separated the two.

When the clock finally ran out, Auriemma walked straight to the tunnel and didn’t shake hands. The two teams did shake hands.

“I have no idea,” Staley said when asked what happened between the coaches. “But I’m gonna let you know this, I’m of integrity. I’m of integrity. So if I did something wrong, to Geno, I had no idea what I did.

“I guess he thought I didn’t shake his hand at the beginning of the game. I didn’t know. I went down there pregame, shook everybody on his staff’s hand.

“I don’t know what he came with after the game, but, hey, sometimes things get heated. We move on.”

Auriemma didn't want to disclose what he said to Staley specifically, but made it a point of saying he was annoyed about the lack of a pregame handshake.

“I’ve been coaching and been to 25 Final Fours,” Auriemma said. “Protocol is we meet at halfcourt, two coaches meet at halfcourt and shake hands. They announce it on the loudspeaker, waited there for three minutes.”

Auriemma was also upset that in the third quarter star Sarah Strong’s jersey was ripped, in his opinion because of South Carolina’s physical defense.

Strong said: “It was an accident, I missed my shot.”

UConn (38-1) entered the Final Four undefeated for the ninth time in school history, and for the third straight time left without a title. The Huskies also lost in the 2017 and 2018 national semifinals. This was the fewest points UConn had scored since putting up 49 points in a national championship game loss to the Gamecocks in 2022.

“Coach was pretty mad going into the half," Latson said of Staley. "She was yelling ‘Meet the moment! Meet the moment!’ We couldn’t be scared to play on this stage, especially against UConn. I mean, they were undefeated.”

The Huskies and Gamecocks played last season for the title and UConn came away with an 82-59 rout for the school’s 12th national championship. UConn also beat South Carolina handily during the 2024-25 regular season.

Leading 46-44 a few minutes into the third quarter, South Carolina scored five straight points, capped by Agot Makeer’s 3-pointer to extend the advantage to seven.

Strong hit a 3-pointer to get the Huskies back within 51-47 with 4:39 left. The Huskies didn't score again until Strong hit a free throw with 30.8 seconds left, after South Carolina had scored 11 straight points.

“I think our defense is pretty elite. We were super prepared by all of our coaches,” Makeer said. “I think we all wanted this really bad. We were just ready.”

South Carolina clamped down on UConn’s two stars. Strong, who was honored as the AP Player of the Year on Thursday, had 12 points and 12 rebounds, but went 4 for 16 from the field. Azzi Fudd had just eight points for the Huskies, making only 3 of 15 shots.

UConn had its worst shooting night of the season finishing 19 for 61 (31.1%) from the field.

Both teams had cruised to the Final Four, each winning in the first four rounds of the tournament easily. The Huskies had been rarely challenged all season long, routing their Big East opponents by record margins.

Facing their first real test in a long time, they had no answer.

The opening 20 minutes was full of missed shots and turnovers. The two teams combined to shoot 22 for 62 from the field (35.4%) and had 14 turnovers. UConn led 26-24 at the half.

There were dozens of former Huskies and Gamecocks players in the crowd including Diana Taurasi, Paige Bueckers and Aliyah Boston. Boston was sitting next to Flavor Flav, who is a huge supporter of women’s sports.

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-womens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson, right, and South Carolina guard Agot Makeer (44) celebrate after defeating UConn in a woman's NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, left, and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma argue after a woman's NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

UConn guard Azzi Fudd (35) fouls South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards (8) during the second half of a woman's NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

South Carolina guard Agot Makeer (44) and UConn guard Kayleigh Heckel (9) scramble for the ball during the second half of a woman's NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

South Carolina guard Ta'Niya Latson (00) drives against UConn guard Blanca Quinonez (4) during the second half of a woman's NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson (5) shoots over UConn forward Sarah Strong (21) during the second half of a woman's NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

South Carolina guard Ta'Niya Latson (00) and South Carolina guard Agot Makeer (44) go for a rebound against UConn during the first half of a woman's NCAA college basketball tournament semifinal game at the Final Four, Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)