Louisville stands in way of UConn’s eighth title

NEW ORLEANS – Geno Auriemma has never lost an NCAA women’s basketball championship game.

Of course, his UConn Huskies haven’t had to face a team like upstart Louisville, which has made unprecedented run to tonight’s title game. A victory would be UConn’s eighth championship, matching it with Tennessee for the most women’s titles.

Auriemma didn’t want to think about it. “Talking about things that haven’t happened yet is never a good idea,” he said.

This could be the beginning of a new dynasty for the Huskies led by Breanna Stewart. The heralded freshman has been on one of the most remarkable runs of any first-year player in the history of the NCAA tournament. She had a season-high 29 points in the semifinal victory over Notre Dame and was the most outstanding player of the Bridgeport regional.

The Huskies have had their way with the Cardinals, winning the past 12 meetings, including the 2009 championship and by 14 points this season.

““We’re playing better basketball,” Cardinals coach Jeff Walz said. “The kids are confident, not much more to say. We believe in what we’re doing. No one thought we’d beat Baylor, no one thought we’d beat Tennessee.”

He added: “It’s going to take the best game we’ve played to date.”