UConn heads to 9th straight Final Four after beating Texas

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – UConn is headed back to the Final Four again thanks to its stellar senior class of Breanna Stewart, Morgan Tuck and Moriah Jefferson.

The All-American trio took over when Texas was making a run in the third quarter to help UConn to an 86-65 victory Monday night, sending the Huskies to the national semifinals.

“We’re the seniors, and we’ve got to make big plays in big moments,” said Jefferson, who had 11 points and nine assists. “They were on a run, and we really needed to step up.”

Tuck scored 22 points and Stewart added 21 points and 13 rebounds for UConn, which is headed to the Final Four for the ninth straight time. The Huskies will be trying for a record fourth consecutive national championship.

“Nine times is a lot of Final Fours,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “That’s a lot. That’s a lot of players over a lot of years. It’s not easy to do.”

The victory, UConn’s 73rd straight overall, was also the school’s 22nd consecutive in the postseason, breaking a tie with Tennessee for the most in a row. Two more victories will give Auriemma an 11th title, moving him past vaunted UCLA men’s coach John Wooden for most all-time in college basketball history.

“We’re really excited to go to the Final Four,” said Stewart, who was selected the Most Outstanding Player of the regional. “I think that any time you go, it’s a lot of fun, there’s a lot going on. … This is our last trip with this team. Last time to be with this team. And I think we’re just going to enjoy it. Especially as seniors. Last time it’s going to be like this.”

The Huskies will join Final Four newcomers Syracuse and Washington in Indianapolis this weekend.

UConn will play Oregon State in the national semifinals Sunday night.