DENVER, CO – Notre Dame can now claim the once-unthinkable: they own the Connecticut Huskies.
Notre Dame’s Natalie Novosel scored off an offensive rebound with just four seconds left in regulation to force overtime, and the Irish went on to overwhelm the Huskies in the extra session, earning a second consecutive trip to the national championship game with an 83-75 victory.
After UConn’s Bria Hartley opened the overtime scoring with a three-pointer, Notre Dame completely took over the game. The Irish outscored the Huskies 16-5 to close out the game, winning three out of four against their Big East rivals, and ending UConn’s season in the national semifinals for the second year in a row.
Notre Dame was led by Novosel, with a 20-point, 7-rebound effort. Irish star guard Skylar Diggins added 19, as the Irish put four players in double-figures. Stephanie Dolson paced UConn with 20 points and 9 rebounds, with Hartley adding 18 points. Five Connecticut players scored in double-figures, but it wasn’t enough to push them past a Notre Dame team which has now become a thorn in their side.
Dave Ryan, Debbie Antonelli and Krista Blunk called the action on the Westwood One Radio Network.
