Connecticut defeats Stanford, 53-47, in women’s title game
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Connecticut’s Maya Moore made sure one of college basketball’s most amazing feats would live on for another year.
Moore hit three consecutive baskets early in the second half to give the Huskies the lead for good as Connecticut overcame a dismal performance in the first half to defeat Stanford, 53-47, in the women’s national championship game Tuesday.
The Huskies are the first team in women’s college basketball history to complete back-to-back undefeated seasons, extending their winning streak to 78 games to capture the program’s seventh national title.
Connecticut trailed, 20-12, at halftime, but came alive in the second half thanks to Moore, who finished with a game-high 23 points and 11 rebounds. Moore was named MVP of the tournament.
The Huskies struggled in the first half, shooting 17% from the floor as Stanford took advantage of 16 consecutive missed shots by Connecticut while on a 12-0 run. However, Moore spearheaded a 17-2 run by the Huskies at the start of the second half to put Connecticut ahead.
Tina Charles finished with nine points and 11 rebounds in her final game with the Huskies. Kayla Pedersen had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Stanford.
The Cardinal were the last team to beat Connecticut, defeating the Huskies in the national semifinals on April 6, 2008.
We’ll have more on Connecticut’s championship soon at latimes.com/sports.
-- Austin Knoblauch
