Huskies drop Lady Vols for third national title in four seasons

ATLANTA ÷ Assembled together at mid court folalowing their 73-68 National Championship victory over Tennessee last night, the Huskies sported 11 smiles of excitement and relief as they accepted their second national title in as many years.

Led by Diana Taurasi's 28 points, UConn (37-1) rolled to victory over a feisty Tennessee (33-5) squad that refused to lie down.

Despite fresh, hard rims and a brand new court at the Georgia Dome, UConn still managed to hit a remarkable 51 percent from the field.

"I think more than anything this team is a reflection of just all that is good ... all that's great in college basketball," coach Geno Auriemma said as he stood on the awards podium to accept his fourth National Championship trophy ÷ three of which have come against Tennessee. "It's just an unbelievable testament to a group of kids that are just unbelievable."

After jumping out to an early lead at 12-5 with 16 minutes to play in the first, UConn looked to its outside shooting to stay afloat after a 9-4 Tennessee run allowed the Lady Vols to close in at 16-14, with 11:57 left in first-tier action.

Trading baskets throughout the remainder of the half would allow for one more Tennessee chance at claiming the lead.

A layup by Tennessee center Tye'sha Fluker with 1:30 remaining would knot the score at 30 apiece.

With just seconds left in the first, UConn guard Maria Conlon, who scored 11 points, stripped the ball from UT guard Shanna Zolman in Tennessee territory. An outlet pass to Taurasi would allow for a Willnett Crockett layup with just 2.8 seconds to play.

Despite a last-second attempt at a half-court shot by Tennessee guard Kara Lawson (18 points, five assists) UConn would enter the locker room ahead 35-30.

"They made a lot of three's and we couldn't extend our defense at times and we lost people out of the zone," Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt said. "We couldn't seem to get any breaks."

Coming out of the murky depths of the Georgia Dome, the Huskies showed no signs of backing down as they ran away from the Lady Vols behind a 12-4 run sparked by a 3-pointer by Taurasi to open the half and give UConn a 47-34 edge.

One Tennessee 5-0 mini-run and retaliation three by Taurasi would find UConn ahead at 50-41, before a three-point play by the junior guard sent the team off and running toward their crystal candy.

The Huskies would pull away at 67-54 with 7:43 to play following four consecutive Taurasi field goals.

Despite Huskies' run, Tennessee was adamant to prove that they had come too far to retire so soon.

An 8-0 run by the Lady Vols brought them back within five at 67-62, as Lawson drove to the hoop to convert on three consecutive fouls en route to a comeback.

Only a driving layup by guard Ann Strother ÷ who scored 17 points for UConn in the win and was also named to the NCAA All-Tournament team ÷ would keep the Huskies ahead at 69-62 before a clutch desperation 3-pointer by Tennessee guard Brittany Jackson allowed the Vols to inch closer to a comeback at 70-66.

Despite their efforts, the Volunteers were forced to foul with under a minute remaining, allowing Conlon and Strother to keep UConn's dream of a championship season alive and thriving.

"It was unbelievable just to be in the championship game," Taurasi said after her second straight National Championship victory.

Taurasi was also named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

"It was against Tennessee," Taurasi said. "As a little kid growing up, you watch it on TV. To be in it and play well and come out with a win just feels really good especially doing it with people that have been through the trenches. It just feels really good."