The UConn Women Huskies win the NCAA national title for the eighth time in fifteen years Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena, the site of this year’s Final Four in Nashville. The undefeated Huskies beat Notre Dame 79-58, ending the Irish’s 37-and-0 undefeated streak, their third loss in a title game in the past four years.
Drama unfolded even before the game started, when it was learned UND’s senior Natalie Achonwa would miss the final game with a torn ACL. Then came the verbal sparring on Monday, fueled in part by the competitive and sometimes bitter history of the two teams. Notre Dame, former Big East Rival of UConn, spoiled a few Final Fours for the Huskies in three of the previous four prior to this season.
The Irish, perhaps inspired by Achonwa, were in the first half thanks to some 3-pointers by Michaela Mabrey and Jewell Loyd, trailing 37-25 with 4:09 left ahead of the break. UConn led 45-38 at the half, shooting 57 percent from the field and getting 16 assists on their 21 baskets. The Huskies came out swinging in the second half early on, scoring 18 of 22 points out of the gate, nixing any chance of an Irish comeback.
The AP’s player of the year Breanna Stewart finished with 21 points. Stefanie Dolson totaled 17 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. For head coach Geno Auriemma, Tuesday night’s win breaks a tie with legendary coach Pat Summitt’s nine titles, one away from the ten won by another coaching legend, former UCLA head coach John Wooden. Summitt, in a statement released to the AP, specifically mentioned her former coaching nemesis Auriemma, congratulating him on his ninth national title, accomplished in record time, according to the email delivered Monday night.
Notre Dame’s Kayla McBride ends her amazing career with the Irish totaling 21 points, hoping for her team’s first national championship since 2001. Tuesday night’s match-up was the first ever national championship game featuring two undefeated teams.
NEWS AND NOTES FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE
Next season, the NCAA plans to move up each round leading up to the Final Four by one day, with first games of the tournament played on Friday instead of Saturday. Also, beginning in 2017, the Final Four will move to a Friday-Sunday format.
Gonzaga coach Kelly Graves has a new home, hired this week as Oregon’s new head women’s basketball coach. Graves led the ‘Zags to the NCAA tournament for the past six seasons.
In what now seems like a rare moment of civility between the two teams off the court, during the AP awards ceremony at Bridgestone Arena, UConn coach Geno Auriemma gave up his seat to the injured Irish player Natalie Achonwa, who was one of the last to enter the crowded room ahead of the presentation, searching for a seat where no one would trip over her crutches.
