Connecticut Huskies Tie Their Own NCAA Mark

Sports News - March 8th, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

With their win over Syracuse, the Connecticut women's basketball team has equaled their NCAA mark of 70 consecutive wins.

Behind the help of Connecticut's all-time leading scorer Tina Charles' 34 points, and Maya Moore adding 16, the Huskies made easy work of the the Orange, 77-41. What's more impressive, is that each of the wins during the streak has been by more than 10 points, meaning the Huskies are not only winning, they are dominating.

Head coach Geno Auriemma said that the win streak won't mean much if the Huskies are unable to continue on and win their 16th Big East tournament and seventh national championship.
"Let's say we win tomorrow and lost Tuesday, what are the kids going to do, go to half court and put their fingers up and say, 'We won 70, 71?" Auriemma remarked after the game.

The Huskies next face Notre Dame in the Big East semifinal match up.

Against Syracuse, the Huskies shot the ball well from the floor, spearheaded by their leader, Charles. She knocked down 16 of 19 shots, and opened the door for her teammates.

"I think that's always the game plan, to get Tina the ball as much as possible," remarked Moore. "We always try to look for each other and if I'm out on the perimeter or in the short corner, in the high post, I'm always going to look inside if she's posting up there."

The defense of Connecticut shut down Syracuse as well. They limited the Orange to making just four of their first 20 attempts.

Auriemma disclosed after the game that he does not address the streaks that the team may be on. He compared it to a pitcher talking about a potential no-hitter while in the middle of a game.

"The object is to win the game and strike out as many guys as you can and get guys to swing at bad pitches and all that other good stuff," said the Huskie head coach. "You're not necessarily thinking in the fifth inning, 'I can't give up a hit, because I'm pitching a no-hitter.' Sure as hell, the next guy is going to hit one off the wall."

College Basketball Betting Lines have established Connecticut as the asserted favorite to claim the 2010 Women's Basketball National Championship.