Today UConn's entire #1-ranked recruiting class was named to the 2012 U18 FIBA Americas National Team. Incoming Freshmen Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson, and Morgan Tuck all made the 12-player squad which is set to regroup at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., for its first training camp from May 28-June 1, 2012. The USA squad will then return to the USOTC for its final training camp Aug. 4-12, 2012, prior to traveling to Puerto Rico for the 2012 FIBA Americas U18 Championship. The U18 Championship, held in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, Aug. 15-19, 2012, will see the three medal-winning teams secure a berth in the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women. The 2013 U19 Worlds will be hosted by Lithuania, July 18-28, 2012. The FIBA Americas U18 Championship will feature eight national teams from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Players eligible for this competition must have been born on or after Jan. 1, 1994.

Who says 13 is the luckiest number? 12 is looking pretty good to former UConn Star Asjha Jones. Today the USA Women's Basketball Selection Committee named her the 12th and final member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team roster. The 6-3 forward from the WNBA's Connecticut Sun was a member of the 2010 USA World Championship Team. A 10-year WNBA veteran, Jones is a two-time WNBA All-Star and was named to the 2008 All-WNBA second team. She competes professionally in Europe and after helping propel her Rivas Ecopolis (Spain) squad to the 2012 EuroLeague championship game, Jones was named the 2012 EuroLeague Final Eight MVP. She closed out the season averaging a EuroLeague career-high 17.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game for Rivas in EuroLeague games. Jones becomes the 6th member from the University of Connecticut named to this year's squad (record for one school on one U.S. Olympic Team roster, men's or women's basketball). In her four-year (1999-2002) collegiate career Jones, who played for USA Head Coach Geno Auriemma at the University of Connecticut, aided the Huskies to a 136-9 record (.938), won a pair of NCAA crowns (2000, 2002) while advancing to four NCAA Tournaments, including the 2001 Final Four, and earned four Big East regular season and tournament titles.

Jones is joined on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team roster by LSU's Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), UConn's Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), UConn's Swin Cash(Chicago Sky), Tennessee's Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), UConn's Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun), LSU's Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Louisville's Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), UConn's Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Tennessee's Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), UConn's Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), and Minnesota's Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx). The well-balanced and talented U.S. squad will compete for the USA’s fifth-consecutive Olympic gold medal in London this summer. Auriemma will be assisted by DePaul University head coach Doug Bruno, 1988 Olympic gold medalist and Washington Mystics assistant coach Jennifer Gillom and Atlanta Dream head coach Marynell Meadors.

And with the 14th pick in 2012 WNBA Draft the Atlanta Dream select...

Tiffany Hayes from the University of Connecticut

Today UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma announced So. F Michala Johnson will be transferring to the University of Wisconsin after the completion of the Spring 2012 semester. Johnson cited a desire to play closer to her home (Bellwood, IL) and a chance to play with her young sister Malayna, who has verbally committed to playing for the Badgers in the Fall of 2013. Best of Luck and continued good health, Michala!! We will miss you!!

Good Luck and good-bye Tiff, we will miss you!!!

Sr. G Tiffany Hayes graduates this season having proved a lot of critics wrong along the way. Was she perfect? No. Was she the best every night? No. Did she play her butt off for her team every second she was on the court? Yes. But she leaves us as one of the best all-around, do a little-bit-of-everything players.

During her 4-year career, she helped UConn win two NCAA Championships while playing in 154 games in a Husky uniform (with a final record of 147-7) and finishes in the Top 10 in scoring (1,801). She also finishes her career in the Top 10 of the UConn record books in a host of other catergories: Free Throws Made (431, 2nd), Games Played (154, t-2nd), 3-pt. FGs Made (186, 8th), and Assists (483, 9th). She is also 12th all-time with 223 steals. In her senior season, Hayes established career-highs in scoring (14.7), rebounding (5.8), steals (2.3), FG shooting (50.3%) and 3-pt. FG shooting (40.7%) on her way to being named an AP All-American (3rd team), the Most Outstanding Player of the 2012 NCAA Kingston Regional, and selected as an unianimous All-Big East First Team member. She is also averaged 3.3 assists and 30.2 minutes. Hayes ranked second on the team is scoring, rebounding, and minutes and first in steals. The highlight of her senior season was when she set the UConn 2-game scoring record with a combined 68 points at Syracuse Jan. 25 (career-high 35) and against South Florida Jan. 28 (33). Other honors for Hayes include being named to the All-Big East First Team (10-11), Second Team (09-10), All-Rookie Team (08-09), and was 2010-11 All-American Honorable Mention.

We will truly miss you Tiff! Most notably, we will miss your heart, your passion, your committment, your determination, your loyalty, and your teamwork!! You make us very proud to call you one of "Our Girls"!!! We all wish you the best of luck on your future, whereever it may take you (and I believe it will be on a WNBA roster)!!!! Stay healthy and take care of you mind, body, and spirit!!!!!

1-seed (3/3) Connecticut Huskies (33-5, 16-3 BE)

Results: Notre Dame 83, Connecticut 75 OT
Player of the Game: Sr. G Natalie Novosel, ND (20p, 7r, 4a, 1s, 38m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Skylar Diggins (2dr, 3s, 2b, 44m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (13p, 7r, 1a, 1s, 1b, 36m)
Stat of the Game: Off. Rebs.: UConn 15, Notre Dame 20

Summary: One of the best games ever played, so if you didn't watch it, that sucks for you because I'm too exhausted to summarize it. Suffice it to say, our UConn girls played their butts off and deserved to win. It just was not meant to be this year. Next year, women's college basketball --- WATCH OUT --- UConn will be back and back with avengence!!!!!!!

Lost in the disappointment of losing in the Final 4 was newly crowned UConn So. All-American G Bria Hartley scoring her 1,000th career point (making her only the 3rd UConn to ever accomplish the feat - Maya Moore and Svetlana Abrosimova). Congratulations, Bria...you make us proud to call you one of "Our Girls"!!!

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Final 4 game vs. 1-seed (4/4) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (34-3).

Event: 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
Location: Pepsi Center (Denver, CO)
Time: 6:30pm (ET)
TV: ESPN
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

Today UConn So. G was named to the 2011-12 WBCA/State Farm D1 Coaches' All-America Team at a ceremony during the 2012 Final 4 in Denver, CO. Hartley becomes the 14th Husky to be honored on the WBCA/State Farm (formerly Kodak) All-America squad and Connecticut now has 26 selections all-time. Hartley is only the fourth UConn sophomore to be named to the team along with Svetlana Abrosimova (1998-99), Diana Taurasi (2001-02) and Maya Moore (2008-09). She averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists during her sophomore campaign. She was tabbed an All-Big East First Team selection a year after being named the Big East Rookie of the Year. She has also earned a spot on the Big East All-Tournament squad in each of the last two seasons.

2011-12 WBCA/State Farm D1 Coaches' All-America Team:
Jr. F Elena Delle Donne, Delaware
Jr. G Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame
Jr. C Brittney Griner, Baylor 
So. G Bria Hartley, Connecticut
Sr. F Glory Johnson, Tennessee
Sr. G Shenise Johnson, Miami
So. F Chiney Ogwumike, Stanford
Sr. F Nnemkadi Ogwumike, Stanford
So. G Odyssey Sims, Baylor
So. F Alyssa Thomas, Maryland

UCONN = EXCELLENCE

There's really no other way to describe it especially since today USA Basketball named the first 11 members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team and five of them (not to mention the team's head coach Geno Auriemma) are UConn Huskies alumni at a press conference live from the 2012 Women's Final 4 in Denver, CO. The five former Huskies named to the final roster are Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, and Diana Taurasi.

The well-balanced and talented core of the U.S. squad features a trio of two-time Olympic gold medalists, four athletes who have each earned one Olympic gold medal and four newcomers to the Olympic stage. They along with the final athlete to be named at a later date will compete for the USA’s fifth-consecutive Olympic gold medal in London this summer. The athletes were selected by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Player Selection Committee, approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors and are pending final approval by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Named to their third Olympic team were Bird (Seattle Storm), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), and Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), all of whom won gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. Competing in her second Olympics after winning gold in Athens in 2004 is Cash (Chicago Sky); while Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) and Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks) captured their Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008. Playing on the Olympic stage for the first time will be Charles (Connecticut Sun), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Moore (Minnesota Lynx) and Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx). Those still in the running for the 12th and final Olympic roster spot include former Huskies Renee Montgomery (Connecticut Sun) and Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun).

Denver, here we come...

Time to party "Mile High" style at the 2012 NCAA Women's Final Four!!!

National Semifinals: Sunday, April 1, 2012
Game 1: 1 Notre Dame vs. 1 Connecticut, 6:30pm ET, ESPN
Game 2: 1 Bayor vs. 1 Stanford, 9:00pm ET, ESPN

1-seed (3/3) Connecticut Huskies (33-4, 16-3 BE)

Results: Connecticut 80, Kentucky 65
Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (22p, 8r, 2a, 3s, 37m)
Def. Player of the Game: So. C Stefanie Dolson (3dr, 3b, 38m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (18p, 7r, 2a, 1s, 30m)
Stat of the Game: Free Throws: UConn 30-35, Kentucky 21-22

Summary: Today UConn Sr. G Tiffany Hayes was named to the 2011-12 AP All-American (3rd) Team and she played every bit the All-American leading the Huskies to their 5th-straight Final 4 finishing with 22p/8r/2a/3s as UConn pulled away halfway through the 2nd half against and defeated Kentucky 80-65. With UConn only leading 48-47 early in the second half, the Huskies turned up its defense bigtime. The Huskies used a 21-4 spurt to take command. Hayes, the lone senior on the team, was the catalyst, scoring seven points during the run. Then the Huskies started a parade to the free throw line, with whistle after whistle. The Huskies converted 12 free throws during the game-changing run. She was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the Kingston Regional. UConn So. C Stefanie Dolson was also named to the Kingston All-Regional Team. UConn All-American HM Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis caught fire in the 2nd half scoring 12 of her 18pts. after being cold in the 1st half (only 6pts. on 2-10 shooting) and added 7rebs. while UConn All-American HM So. G Bria Hartley shoke off 1st half foul trouble to score 11 of her 13pts. in the 2nd half as well. UConn will now face Big East rival Notre Dame for the 4th time this season in the first semifinal game of the 2012 Final 4 in Denver, CO at 6:30pm ET on ESPN.

And awards season has officially begun...

Today UConn Sr. G Tiffany Hayes was named as a member of the 2011-12 AP All-American Third Team. She becomes the 13th UConn player to make one of the 3 AP All-Americans in the history of the honor. UConn So. G Bria Hartley and Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis were named AP All-American Honorable Mentions.

2011-12 AP All-American Teams:
First Team:
Jr. F Elena Delle Donne, Delaward
Jr. G Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame
Jr. C Brittney Griner, Baylor*
Sr. F Nnemkadi Ogwumike, Stanford
So. F Alyssa Thomas, Maryland

Second Team:
Sr. G Shenise Johnson, Miami
So. F Chiney Ogwumike, Stanford
Sr. G Samantha Prahalis, Ohio State
So. G Odyssey Sims, Baylor
Sr. F Julie Wotja, Wisconsin-Green Bay

Third Team:
Sr. G Tifffany Hayes, Connecticut
Jr. G A'dia Mathies, Kentucky
Sr. W Shekinna Strickland, Tennessee
Fr. C Elizabeth Williams, Duke
Sr. G Riquana Williams, Miami

* - unanimous selection

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Elite 8 game vs. 2-seed (12/11) Kentucky Wildcats (28-6).

Event: 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
Location: Ryan Center (Kingston, RI)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPN
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

1-seed (3/3) Connecticut Huskies (32-4, 16-3 BE)

Results: Connecticut 77, Penn State 59
Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (15p, 7r, 5s, 3s, 1b, 25m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (5dr, 3s, 1b, 25m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (12p, 11r, 31m)
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 44, Penn State 30

Summary: UConn used a little bit of offense and a lot of defense to pull away for good late in the 1st half and early in the 2nd half to get past Penn State, 77-59. Led by UConn All-American candidate So. G Bria Hartley's 20pts. and 4asts. and So. G Kelly Faris' 15pts., 7rebs., 5sts., and 3stls. (as well as one monster block on PSU's Maggie Lucas' 3-pt shot attempt late), the Huskies played one of its most complete games (according to UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma). UConn All-American candidate Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis registered her 1st career double-double, finishing with 12pts. and a career-high 11rebs. off the bench to help lead her team into an Elite 8 match-up vs. 2-seed Kentucky on Tuesday night (3/27) at 7pm ET on ESPN.

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA Sweet 16 game vs. 4-seed (11/12) Penn State Nittany Lions (26-6).

Event: 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
Location: Ryan Center (Kingston, RI)
Time: 4:30pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

1-seed (3/3) Connecticut Huskies (31-4, 16-3 BE)

Results: Connecticut 72, Kansas State 26
Player of the Game: Fr. C Kiah Stokes (13p, 9r, 1s, 3b, 18m)
Def. Player of the Game: So. C Stefanie Dolson (3dr, 3s, 3b, 28m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. C Kiah Stokes (13p, 9r, 1s, 3b, 18m)
Stat of the Game: Bench Pts.: UConn 32, Kansas State 4

Summary: To say UConn played as close to a perfect defensive game as possible would maybe be an understatement. The Huskies played such amazing defense against an opponent worthy of an 8-seed and from the Big 12, that the same team said after the game that it was like there were 7 them out there against their 5. UConn not only held Kansas State to 10 first half points (and it was a buzzer-beating shot in the 1st half which allowed KSU to not tie for the record for fewest points (8) in the 1st half of a NCAA Tournament game), but they held also held them to 16 second half points for a total of 26 points for the game which is now the all-time record for fewest points in a NCAA Tournament game (previous was 27).

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA 2nd-Rd game vs. 8-seed Kansas State Wildcats (20-13).

Event: 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
Location: Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard (Bridgeport, CT)
Time: 7:05pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2 (Locked into CT only - Wrap-around rest of country)
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

1-seed (3/3) Connecticut Huskies (30-4, 16-3 BE)

Results: Connecticut 83, Prairie View A&M 47
Player of the Game: So. G Bria Hartley (18p, 5r, 3a, 36m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (3dr, 3s, 31m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (19p, 8r, 1s, 30m)
Stat of the Game: Bench Pts.: UConn 37, PV A&M 12

Summary: Still to come...

Game notes (pdf) for today's NCAA 1st-Rd game vs. 16-seed Prairie View A&M Panthers (17-15).

Event: 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
Location: Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard (Bridgeport, CT)
Time: 1:45pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2 (Locked into CT only - Wrap-around rest of country)
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

Today UConn All-American candidates Sr. G Tiffany Hayes and So. G Bria Hartley were honored as 2011-12 WBCA All-Region I Team selections as announced by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. On, Monday, March 19, the selection committee will review these 52 candidates and trim the list to 40 finalists, all of whom will be in the running for selection to the 10-member 2011-12 WBCA Division I Coaches’ All-America Team. UConn women’s basketball has now had a total of 44 WBCA All-Region selections since 1986 and this season marks the 14th time UConn has had multiple All-Region picks.

We are getting another "special" one, folks!!!

On Tuesday, UConn signee 6'4 F Breanna Stewart (North Syracuse, NY) won the HS girls' 2012 Morgan Wootten Player of the Year award as announced by the McDonald's All-American Games committee. Stewart is the top-rated player in the 2012 class according to the ESPNU 100 list. In 2011, Stewart led her team to its first state championships in school history and is looking to repeat in 2012. Off the court, she routinely volunteers at a local YMCA and youth basketball program and is a member of the honor role. She won the honor over finalists and fellow UConn signees 5'7 G Moriah Jefferson (Glenn Heights, TX) and 6'2 F Morgan Tuck (Bolingbrook, IL) and becomes the 4th UConn player to win the award (Nicole Wolff, 2002; Tina Charles, 2006; and Maya Moore, 2007). The Morgan Wootten Award is given to the best male and female McDonald’s All American players who exemplify outstanding character, exhibit leadership and embody the values of being a student-athlete in the classroom and the community. McDonald’s established the award in Wootten’s honor to pay tribute to his unprecedented achievements as a teacher and coach. The official award presentation will take place at the McDonald’s All American Games awards banquet on March 27 in Chicago, IL.

Today Stewart became the consensus HS Girls' National POTY after being named the 2011-12 Gatorade National Girls' Basketball Player of the Year. She was given the award during a press conference at her Cicero-North Syracuse High School. Indiana Fever forward and two-time United States gold medalist Tamika Catchings provided Stewart with the news during a surprise visit to Cicero-North Syracuse High. Stewart, who has also been named the Naismith, WBCA and McDonald’s Player of the Year, is an `A’ student and volunteers locally on behalf of numerous charities and a youth basketball organization. She becomes the sixth UConn player to receive Gatorade’s top honor, joining Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (2010-11), Maya Moore (2006-07), Tina Charles (2005-06), Ann Strother (2001-02) and Tamika Williams (1997-98).

The 2012 Women's NCAA Tournament #1 Seeds:

1a. Baylor Lady Bears (Des Moines)

1b. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Raleigh)

1c. Connecticut Huskies (Kingston)

1d. Stanford Cardinal (Fresno)

The 1-seed Connecticut Huskies will face 16-seed Prairie View A&M on Sat., March 17th at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT at 1:50pm ET on ESPN2.

Today ESPNHS announced the winners of the 2011-12 Gatorade State Girls' Basketball Players of the Year for each of the 50 states as well as Washington, DC. UConn signees 6'4 F Breanna Stewart (North Syracuse, NY) and 6'2 F Morgan Tuck (Bolingbrook, IL) were named Gatorade POYs for each of their respective states.  They are both now eligible for the 2011-12 Gatorade National Girls' Basketball Player of the Year award along with the 49 other winners. All the winners have also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

Today UConn Sr. G Tiffany Hayes was named the 15 finalists for the 2011-12 John R. Wooden Award as announced by the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The National Ballot, consisting of these top 15 players, will be mailed to Wooden Award voters this week, and voting begins March 12th. Selected by the Wooden Award National Advisory Board, the ballot is made up of 15 student-athletes who are the final contenders for women’s college basketball’s most prestigious honor. Hayes was unanimously selected to the All-Big East First Team after leading the Huskies in scoring (15.1 ppg) and steals (2.6 spg) as she is second in rebounding with 5.7 grabs per game. Hayes and Green Bay’s Julie Wojta were the only players who were not on the midseason Wooden Award list, but who made the final ballot.

4/4 Connecticut Huskies (29-4, 16-3 BE)

Results: Connecticut 63, Notre Dame 54
Co-Player of the Game: So. G Bria Hartley (18p, 7r, 2a, 4s, 36m)
Co-Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (19p, 8r, 1s, 30m)
Def. Player of the Game: So. G Bria Hartley (6dr, 4s, 36m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (19p, 8r, 1s, 30m)
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 44, Notre Dame 33

2012 Big East Women's Basketball Tournament Champions!!!

2012 Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player:
Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Connecticut

2012 Big East All-Tournament Team:
So. C Stefanie Dolson, Connecticut
So. G Bria Hartley, Connecticut
Sr. F Devereaux Peters, Notre Dame
So. G Kayla McBride, Notre Dame
Jr. W Shennika Smith, St. John's

Summary: Win #800 might not have been the hardest of any of the 800, but according to Geno it might have been the sweetest or most satisfying. This group of Huskies has tried all season long to find themselves and their team's identity and there in the 2nd half of one of the biggest game of their short career's...the found IT!!! Led by the UConn All-American candidate duo of So. G Bria Hartley (18p/7r/2a/4s) and Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (19p/8r/1s), the Huskies punched, got punched, and finally counterpunched back a very physical and experienced Notre Dame squad into a 63-54 victory as well as a 5th-consecutive and 18th overall Big East Championship. UConn has now gone 19 straight seasons with at least a Big East Regular Season or Tournament Championship title. Sr. G Tiffany Hayes chipped in a very hard earned 14pts., 8rebs. (including 4 offensive), 1ast., and 1stl. in 37mins. while Jr. G Kelly Faris scored the 8 biggest points (including 2 of the biggest 3's) of her basketball career in the final 8 mins. of the game.

Game notes (pdf) for today's BET Championship game vs. 1-seed (3/3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (30-2, 17-1 BE).

Event: 2012 Big East Women's Basketball Tournament
Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPN
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: BET Live Stats

4/4 Connecticut Huskies (28-4, 15-3 BE)

Results: Connecticut 74, St. John's 43
Player of the Game: So. C Stefanie Dolson (23p, 6r, 2s, 2b, 26m)
Def. Player of the Game: So. C Stefanie Dolson (4dr, 2s, 2b, 26m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (22p, 5r, 1a, 2s, 30m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. Off TOs: UConn 27, St. John's 11

Summary: Still to come...

Today UConn signee 6'4 F Breanna Stewart (North Syracuse, NY) was named the 2011-12 Naismith High School Girl's Player of the Year, as announced today by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. The #1 Senior in the 2012 HS Class is averaging 25.5ppg, 10.6rpg, 2.9apg, 2.7spg & 2.9bpg and leads her Cicero-North Syracuse High team into the New York Class AA quarterfinals on Friday against Colonie High at Hudson Valley Community College.

Future UConn teammates 5'7 PG Moriah Jefferson (Glenn Heights, TX) and 6'2 F Morgan Tuck (Bolingbrook, IL) were also among 5 finalist for the award. Stewart is the seventh UConn signee to win the award, joining Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (2011), Elena Delle Donne (2008), Maya Moore (2006, 2007), Ann Strother (2002), Diana Taurasi (2000) and Tamika Williams (1998). Delle Donne ultimately transferred to Delaware.

Game notes (pdf) for today's BET Semifinal game vs. 2-seed (18/21) St. John's Red Storm (22-8, 14-3 BE).

Event: 2012 Big East  Women's Basketball Tournament
Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 8:30pm (ET)
TV: ESPNU
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: BET Live Stats

4/4 Connecticut Huskies (27-4, 14-3 BE)

Results: Connecticut 49, Rutgers 34
Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (17p, 6r, 1s, 2b, 33m)
Def. Player of the Game: So. C Stefanie Dolson (6dr, 1s, 4b, 35m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (17p, 6r, 1s, 2b, 33m)
Stat of the Game: Bench Pts.: UConn 18, Rutgers 0

Summary: Still to come...

Game notes (pdf) for today's BET Quarterfinal game vs. 6-seed (23/19) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (22-8, 11-6 BE).

Event: 2012 Big East Women's Basketball Tournament
Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 8:30pm (ET)
TV: ESPNU
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: BET Live Stats

The second half of the 2011-12 Big East Awards (aka the major awards) were announced today at a news conference. UConn Fr. All-American candidate W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis was named the 2010-11 Big East Freshman of the Year. Notre Dame's Jr. All-American G Skylar Diggins was named the 2011-12 Big East Player of the Year. St. John's Sr. F Da'Shena Stevens was named the 2011-12 Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Head Coach Kim Barnes-Arico was named the 2011-12 Big East Coach of the Year.

2011-12 Big East Player of the Year:
Jr. G Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame

2011-12 Big East Freshman of the Year:
Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Connecticut

2011-12 Big East Coach of the Year:
Kim Barnes Arico, St. John's

2011-12 Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year:
Sr. F Da'Shena Stevens, St. John's

The first half of the 2011-12 Big East Awards were announced today through press release (the major awards will be announced tomorrow at a 5pm news conference at the Big East Tournament).

2011-12 Big East Defensive Player of the Year:
Sr. F Devereaux Peters, Notre Dame

2011-12 Big East Most Improved Player Award:
Sr. G Jasmine Wynne, South Florida

2011-12 Big East Sixth Man Award:
Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Connecticut

2011-12 Big East Sportsmanship Award:
Sr. G Deanna Ortiz, DePaul
Sr. F Da'Shena Stevens, St. John's

2011-12 All-Big East Teams:
First Team:
So. G Bria Hartley, Connecticut
Jr. G Tiffany Hayes, Connecticut*
Jr. G Anna Martin, DePaul*
So. G Ta'Shauna "Sugar" Rodgers, Georgetown*
So. G Shoni Schimmel, Louisville
So. G Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame*
Jr. G Natalie Novosel, Notre Dame
Sr. F Devereaux Peters, Notre Dame
Sr. G Khadijah Rushdan, Rutgers
Jr. W Shenneika Smith, St. John’s
Jr. C Asya Bussie, West Virginia

Second Team:
RSo. G Dayeesha Hollins, Cincinnati
Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Connecticut
Sr. W April Sykes, Rutgers
Jr. G Nadirah McKenith, St. John’s
Sr. F Da’Shena Stevens, St. John’s
Sr. G Jasmine Crew, Seton Hall
Sr. G Jasmine Wynne, USF
So. C Kayla Alexander, Syracuse
Sr. FIasia Hemingway, Syracuse
Jr. F Laura Sweeney, Villanova

Honorable Mention:
So. C Stefanie Dolson, Connecticut
Jr. F Katherine Harry, DePaul
Sr. F Tia Magee, Georgetown
So. F Katherine Plouffe, Marquette
Jr. C Monique Oliver, Rutgers
RSo. G Christal Caldwell, West Virginia

Freshmen Team:
Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Connecticut*
Fr. C Kiah Stokes, Connecticut
Fr. G Brittany Hrynko, DePaul*
Fr. G Bria Smith, Louisville*
Fr. G Arlesia Morse, Marquette
Fr. G Brianna Kiesel, Pittsburgh*
Fr. W Betnijah Laney, Rutgers
Fr. F Amber Thompson, St. John’s
RFr. F Lauren Burford, Villanova
Fr. G Linda Stepney, West Virginia

* - unanimous selection

UConn freshman W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis was named the Big East Freshman of the Week for the 8th time in her career after helping UConn to a 2-1 week while averaging 20 ppg. In a game at Pittsburgh, she had 23 points, going 9-of-12 from the floor. At Marquette, Mosqueda-Lewis had 27 points and seven rebounds. In the regular-season finale, she had 10 points, shooting 50 percent from the floor against No. 3/3 Notre Dame. She is now all alone in 2nd for most Freshman of the Week honors all-time. Former Huskies Maya Moore holds the record with 10 honors.

4/4 Connecticut Huskies (26-4, 13-3 BE)

Results: Notre Dame 72, Connecticut 59
Player of the Game: Sr. F Devereaux Peters, ND (9p, 15r, 3a, 3s, 2b, 35m)
Def. Player of the Game: Sr. F Devereaux Peters, ND (9dr, 3s, 2b, 35m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (10p, 20m)
Stat of the Game: 2nd Chance Pts.: ND 25, UConn 8

Summary: Notre Dame won its first-ever outright Big East Regular Season title as they wore down the Huskies in front of 15,132 fans in Hartford and defeated UConn for the 3rd-straight time, 72-59. In what was a hard-fought, back and forth game for the first 30mins. turned into a mini-blowout in the end as UConn ran out of steam going up againt a very experienced and posied senior-laddened Fighting Irish squad. Notre Dame was led by their All-American duo of Skylar Diggins (20) and Natalie Novosel (21), while UConn was led by their former All-American candidate duo of Tiffany Hayes (22) and Stefanie Dolson (18). UConn finished tied with St. John's for 2nd in the final 2011-12 Big East standings, but will be the 3-seed in the upcoming 2012 Big East Tournament due to its lose to St. John's in their head-to-head match-up. They will play on Sunday, March 4th at 8:30pm on ESPNU against the winner of the 6-seed Rutgers/11-seed Cincinnati/14-seed Marquette bracket.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs 3/3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (27-2, 14-1 BE).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 9:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

4/4 Connecticut Huskies (26-3, 13-2 BE)

Results: Connecticut 85, Marquette 45
Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis  (27p, 7r, 2a, 1s, 1b, 32m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (5r, 1b, 36m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (27p, 7r, 2a, 1s, 1b, 32m)
Stat of the Game: Bench Pts.: UConn 43, Marquette 21

Summary: UConn All-American candidate Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis scored a career-high 27pts. and Sr. G Tiffany Hayes added 20, including 18 in the second half, to lead the Huskies to an easy win over Marquette, 85-45.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Marquette Golden Eagles (13-14, 4-10 BE).

Location: Al McGuire Center (Milwaukee, WI)
Time: 5:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 4pm)
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

4/4 Connecticut Huskies (25-3, 12-2 BE)

Results: Connecticut 86, Pittsburgh 37
Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (8p, 10r, 7a, 4s, 2b, 28m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (4r, 4s, 2b, 28m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (23p, 2r, 1a, 23m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 40, Pitt 8

Summary: Following its stunning home loss to St. John's, the Huskies were ready to move on and focus on getting back to winning. Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis scored a game-high 23pts. and Jr. G Kelly Faris added a game-high 10rebs. as UConn dominated Pittsburgh, 86-37. Sr. G Tiffany Hayes added 13 points for UConn. Opponents haven't fared well for nearly two decades when they've faced Connecticut following a loss. The Huskies haven't lost back-to-back games since losing to Providence and Louisville in March 1993. They've gone 683 games without consecutive losses and are 48-0 following a loss in that time.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Pittsburgh Panthers (8-18, 0-13 BE).

Location: Petersen Events Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

2/2 Connecticut Huskies (24-3, 11-2 BE)

Results: St. John's 57, Connecticut 56
Player of the Game: Jr. G Nadirah McKenith (15p, 7r, 7a, 4s, 1b, 39m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Nadirah McKenith (4r, 4s, 1b, 39m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (12p, 6r, 4a, 1s, 3b, 35m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. Off TO's: St. John's 20, UConn 8

Summary: After 99 consecutive home wins, win #100 in a row at home versus unranked St. John's on Senior Night was supposed to be emotional and tough, but at least supposed to happen. Well, St. John's had other plans. The Red Storm dictated tempo for the entire game following an 11-3 run to start the game by UConn and it was a battle the rest of the way for the Huskies who lost on a game-winning 3 from St. John's Jr. W Shenneika Smith (who by the way had only hit three 3's ALL season). Sr. G Tiffany Hayes, who was honored prior to the game as UConn's lone Senior), was held to 8pts. and committed 7 TO's in her 1st-ever home-court defeat. St. John's was led by Sr. F Da'Shena Stevens and Jr. G Nadirah McKenith's 15pts., who hadn't defeated the Huskies since 1993 while UConn was led by Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis's 12pts. and W C Kiah Stokes' 11pts., both off the bench.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. ARV/ARV St. John's Red Storm (17-8, 9-3 BE).

Event: 2012 Senior Night
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 3:30pm)
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

Today UConn So G. Bria Hartley was named a finalist for the 2011-12 Nancy Lieberman Award. The award is a national project of the Rotary Club of Detroit honoring the nation’s top collegiate point guard in women’s Division I basketball. The criteria for the award are the floor leadership, play-making and ball-handling skills that personified Hall of Famer, Nancy Lieberman during her career. Sportswriters from across the country have determined this final nominee list. They will select three finalists from this list and one winner at the beginning of April 2012. The announcement of the three finalists and one winner will be made during the Final Four Weekend (April 1-3, 2012).

2/3 Connecticut Huskies (24-2, 11-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 73, Oklahoma 55
Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (23p, 6r, 7a, 3s, 1b, 37m)
Def. Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (6r, 3s, 1b, 37m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (10p, 4r, 2a, 3s, 22m)
Stat of the Game: Fast Break Pts.: UConn 12, Oklahoma 2

Summary: Still to come...

UConn freshman W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis was named the Big East Freshman of the Week for the 7th time in her career after helping UConn to a 2-0 week against rank opponents while averaging 14.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 2.5apg. In the win against 14/13 Georgetown, she had 23 points, two steals, four assists and six rebounds. She shot 10-of-16 from the floor and sank a trio of 3-pointers. In the win on the road against 20/17 Louisville, Mosqueda-Lewis was hampered by foul trouble, but scored five points and grabbed two rebounds. She is now tied at 2nd with former Huskies Rebecca Lobo for most Freshman of the Week honors. Former Huskies Maya Moore holds the record with 10 honors.

Today all three UConn commits were named as finalists for the 2012 Naismith Girls' High School Player of the Year. Moriah Jefferson (T.H.E.S.A., Glenn Heights, Texas), Breanna Stewart (Cicero-North Syracuse High School, Syracuse, N.Y.) and Morgan Tuck (Bolingbrook High School, Bolingbrook, Ill.) all have been selected as three of the five finalists. They are looking to become the sixth future UConn player to win the award, joining Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (2011), Maya Moore (2006, 2007) Ann Strother (2002), Diana Taurasi (2000) and Tamika Williams (1998). Elena Delle Donne (2008) also won the award before transferring to Delaware. The winner will be recognized by the Atlanta Tipoff Club at its season-ending Naismith Awards Banquet presented by AT&T and Newell Rubbermaid, March 22, 2012, at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in Atlanta.

Today 7 former Huskies were named 21 finalists for 2012 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team roster which will be coached by UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma. Olymic Gold Medalists' Sue Bird, Swin Cash, and Diana Taurasi are joined by Tina Charles, Asjha Jones, Renee Montgomery and Maya Moore to comprise the seven Huskies that have been chosen as finalists. Connecticut leads all other universities with Tennessee having three former student-athletes. The final 12-member USA National Team roster will be announced in the early summer.

The 21 finalists for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team include: Jayne Appel (San Antonio Silver Stars), Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Bird (Seattle Storm), Rebekkah Brunson (Minnesota Lynx), Cash (Chicago Sky), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Charles (Connecticut Sun), Candice Dupree (Phoenix Mercury), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Brittney Griner (Baylor University), Lindsey Harding (Atlanta Dream), Jones (Connecticut Sun), Kara Lawson (Connecticut Sun), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Montgomery (Connecticut Sun), Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Candace Parker(Los Angeles Sparks), Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty), Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx) and Sophia Young (San Antonio Silver Stars).

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Oklahoma Sooners (16-7).

Event: Play 4 Kay
Location: Lloyd Noble Center (Norman, OK)
Time: 9:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (23-2, 11-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 80, Georgetown 38
Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (23p, 6r, 4a, 2s, 34m)
Def. Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (2r, 3s, 1b, 32m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (23p, 6r, 4a, 2s, 34m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. off TO's: UConn 28, Georgetown 6

Summary: Still to come...

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 14/13 Georgetown Hoyas (19-5, 8-3 BE).

Event: Play 4 Kay (Fans encouraged to wear pink to game)
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 4:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 3pm)
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

The UConn trio of recruits are now the UConn trio of HS All-Americans. Led by the newly crowned 2012 State Farm/WBCA National HS Player of the Year 6'3 F Breanna Stewart (North Syracuse, NY), the trio which also includes 5'7 G Moriah Jefferson (Glenn Heights, TX) and 6'2 F Morgan Tuck (Bolingbrook, IL) was selected to play in the 2012 McDonald's HS All-American Game today and yesterday were all select to play in the 2012 WBCA HS All-American Game presented by Nike.

Stewart is currently ranked No. 1 among high school girls basketball players in the U.S. by ESPN HoopGurlz.com. She also was honored by USA Basketball in January as the 2011 Female Athlete of the Year. As Cicero-North Syracuse's leading scorer, Stewart averages 24 points per game and has scored in double figures in every game of the season. She has scored 25 or more points in six games, including a season-high 44 against Hill School on Jan. 17 and two performances of more than 30 points each. She becomes the 7th WBCA National High School Player of the Year to sign with the Huskies. Previous players of the year on UConn's roster include Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (2011), Maya Moore (2007), Tina Charles (2006), Ann Strother (2002) and Tamika (Williams) Raymond (1998). Elena Delle Donne (2008) initially signed with UConn, but enrolled at the University of Delaware before playing for the Huskies. Her Cicero-North Syracuse team (14-2) sits atop its conference standings with an unblemished mark of 10-0. As of Jan. 30 the Northstars are ranked eighth nationally by ESPN HoopGurlz.com after debuting at No. 26 in the 2011-12 preseason rankings. Stewart will be formally honored at halftime of the 2012 WBCA High School All-America Game presented by NIKE, which will be played at 4:30 p.m. MT Saturday, March 31, at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The game is held annually as part of the WBCA National Convention and NCAA® Women's Final Four® "Super Saturday" festivities. The 2012 McDonald's All-American Game on March 28 in Chicago at the United Center where the 2012 McDonald's Girls' National HS Player of the Year award will be named and presented.

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (22-2, 10-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 56, Louisville 46
Player of the Game: RJr. G Caroline Doty (15p, 3r, 3a, 4s, 1b, 35m)
Def. Player of the Game: RJr. G Caroline Doty (2r, 4s, 1b, 35m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. C Kiah Stokes (4p, 6r, 12m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 24, Louisville 8

Summary: Still to come...

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at 20/17 Louisville Cardinals (17-6, 6-4 BE).

Location: KFC Yum Center (Louisville, KY)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CBSSN
Internet: None
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (21-2, 9-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 66, Rutgers 34
Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (14p, 5r, 7a, 3s, 34m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (4dr, 1s, 2b, 33m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. C Kiah Stokes (10p, 5r, 1a, 1s, 1b, 15m)
Stat of the Game: Assists: UConn 19, Rutgers 3

Summary: Still to come...

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 13/14 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (17-5, 6-3 BE).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 6pm)
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

Today UConn All-American candidate Sr. G Tiffany Hayes was named the USBWA Women's National Player of the Week after helping UConn to a 2-0 week while averaging 34.0 ppg and 8.5 rpg, shooting 70 percent from the field. As the Big East Conference Player of the Week, Hayes was nominated for the weekly award, which was chosen by a representative of the USBWA board of directors from a list of Division I conference players of the week. For the week, she scored 68 points in back-to-back wins – the most ever in UConn's storied history – averaging 34.0 points, 8.5 rebounds while shooting 70 percent from the field. In a 95-54 win over Syracuse last Monday, she scored a career-high 35 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range. On Wednesday, she added 33 points and 10 rebounds in a 77-62 win over USF for the No. 3 Huskies (20-2). Hayes is currently Connecticut's leading scorer with a 16.1 average and is fifth in the Big East in scoring.

UConn Basketball: Greatness Is Not An Accident

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (20-2, 8-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 61, Duke 45
Player of the Game: RJr. G Caroline Doty (11p, 3r, 3a, 1b, 27m)
Def. Player of the Game: Fr. C Kiah Stokes (11dr, 1s, 5b, 28m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. C Kiah Stokes (4p, 12r, 2a, 1s, 5b, 28m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 24, Duke 14

Summary: It was not pretty by any means, but when it's a win on the road over a Top 5 opponent, a win is a frickin' win. Led by the dominating post defense of Fr. C Kiah Stokes and the rest of the Huskies, they once again held the Blue Devils to a sad final total and defeated Duke, 61-45. UConn All-American candidate So. G Bria Hartley had a quiet game (for her), but still managed to do a little bit of everything as she led the Huskies and finished with 15p/5r/7a/2s in 39mins. Jr. G Caroline Doty showed us she starting to round back into form as she went a perfect 3 for 3 from 3 and played some great defense especially for someone playing on basically only one leg. Stokes played the best game of her young career and mostly because she became a dominating force on the defensive end of the court where she held Duke's future All-American C Elizabeth Williams to 3-15 shooting and grabbed a career-high 12rebs. and had a career-high 5blks. while playing a career-high 28mins. off the bench (as starting C Stefanie Dolson was saddled in foul trouble all game).

UConn Senior G Tiffany Hayes was named the Big East Player of the Week for the 1st time in her career after helping UConn to a 2-0 week while averaging 34.0 ppg and 8.5 rpg, shooting 70 percent from the field. In a victory at Syracuse, she scored a career-high 35 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. She went 7-of-7 from the free throw line. In a win against USF, she had 33 points and 10 rebounds, connecting on 11-of-15 from the field. Last week was the first time Hayes scored at least 30 points in back-to-back games and the 68 points mark the most a UConn player has scored in back-to-back games in program history.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at 5/5 Duke Blue Devils (17-2).

Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium (Durham, NC)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GoDuke Live Stats

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (19-2, 8-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 77, South Florida 62
Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (33p, 10p, 3a, 3s, 1b, 39m)
Def. Player of the Game: So. C Stefanie Dolson (11dr, 3b, 37m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (5p, 7r, 3a, 1b, 29m)
Stat of the Game: Rebounding: UConn 53, USF 28

Summary: And homegirl is on phi-ah (fire)!!! Once again, UConn All-American candidate Sr. G Tiffany Hayes light up court scoring 33pts. to go along with 10rebs. (for her 1st double-double on the season) as the Huskies fought off the hard-charging Bulls of South Florida, 77-62.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. South Florida Bulls (12-9, 4-3 BE).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 1:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

Today UConn So. G Bria Hartley and Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis were both named to the 2011-12 John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 20 list. Hartley is currently the third leading scorer for Connecticut averaging 14.9ppg and is second on the team in assists with 4.1apg. Named the Big East Preseason Freshman of the Year, Mosqueda-Lewis, has been stellar thus far in her young career as she currently is the second leading scorer for the Huskies with 15ppg and leads the team with 52 made 3-pters. Mosqueda-Lewis, one of two freshman on the Top 20, has brought home six Big East Freshman of the Week accolades.

Today UConn commit Breanna Stewart (Syracuse, NY) was named the 2011 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. She becomes the 3rd Husky to win (Diana Taurasi '06, '10 & Tina Charles '09) and is now part of the impressive list of athletes (Leslie, Staley, Edwards, Miller, Holdsclaw, Augustus, etc.) who have won the award since it started in 1980. A member of the gold-medal winning 2011 USA U19 World Championship Team that competed July 21-31 in Puerto Montt, Chile, Stewart also played for the 2011 USA Pan American Games Team that competed Oct. 21-25 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“It is exciting because this is a pretty big award,” Stewart said. “I’m just honored to be thought of as USA Basketball’s Female Athlete of the Year.”

“Breanna Stewart ranks up with Maya Moore as one of the most competitive young players that I've ever seen,” said Jennifer Rizzotti, 2011 USA U19 and University of Hartford head coach, and the 2011 USA Basketball National Coach of the Year. “She has the ability to tremendously impact the game on both ends of the floor. She works constantly to improve all aspects of her game, and I look forward to watching her growth as she develops into an even more complete player. Her desire to win and compete on every possession raised the level of intensity for our team and was crucial to our winning the gold medal.”

As the second youngest member of the 2011 USA U19 team, Stewart started in three of nine games and in just 19.9 minutes per contest, averaged team-highs of 11.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game to help the USA to an 8-1 record and gold medal at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship. Shooting 46.8 percent from the field (36-77 FGs), Stewart was named to the five-member All-FIBA U19 World Championship Team. In the USA women’s U19 record book, Stewart lists third for blocked shots (15) and fourth for rebounds (66). Among all participants in the 16-team field, she ranked second in blocked shots (1.7 bpg.), and 10th in rebounding (7.3 rpg.) and defensive rebounding (4.9 rpg.). As just the second U.S. high school girls basketball player to represent her country in Pan American Games history, Stewart was the only high school player on the 2011 USA Pan American Games Team, which included 11 collegiate athletes. Starting in all four games, Stewart led the team in scoring (15.3 ppg.), rebounding (11.3 rpg.), blocked shots (1.8 bpg.) and minutes played (27.8 mpg.) to help the USA to a 2-2 record and seventh-place finish. She shot 50.0 percent from the field (19-38 FGs) and 88.5 percent from the free throw line (23-26 FTs). Stewart compiled 18 points, four blocked shots and a U.S. Pan American Games record 21 rebounds in the USA’s opening game against Argentina. Stewart lists second in the U.S. Women’s Pan American Games Team record book for blocked shots (9), third for rebounds (45) and fourth in free throw percentage (.885). Among all participants in the 2011 Pan American Games eight-team field, Stewart ranked first in free-throw percentage (.885) and blocked shots (2.3 bpg.); second in rebounding (11.3 rpg.) and defensive rebounds (7.5 rpg.); third in field goal percentage (.500) and offensive boards (3.8 rpg.); and fifth in points (15.3 ppg.). As a junior at Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 2010-11, she led her team to a 22-3 record, the New York Section 3 and New York Class AA state titles. Starting in all 25 games, she averaged 24.3ppg, 11.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.8spg and 4.2bpg. Thus far in 2011-12, she is averaging 24.2ppg has helped her team to a 12-2 record as of Jan. 26.

Additionally, USA Basketball will nominate Stewart for the U.S. Olympic Committee’s 2011 SportsWoman of the Year, which will be announced in 2012. The USA Basketball Board of Directors is responsible for selecting USA Basketball’s annual award winners.

“In her third consecutive summer playing for USA Basketball, Breanna was an important part of two USA teams,” said Jim Tooley, USA Basketball Executive Director/CEO. “Anyone who has seen her play knows what an incredible athlete she is, and how much fun it is to watch her play. She has shown dedication and commitment, and we are very proud to recognize her efforts.”

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (18-2, 7-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 95, Syracuse 54
Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (35p, 7r, 3a, 1s, 31m)
Def. Player of the Game: Fr. C Kiah Stokes (6dr, 1s, 3b, 24m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (19p, 8r, 2a, 2s, 33m)
Stat of the Game: 3-Pt. Shooting: UConn 12-25, Syracuse 4-14

Summary: The only way to some it up was...homegirl was on phi-ah (fire)!!! UConn All-American candidate Sr. G Tiffany Hayes light up the Carrier Dome scoring a career-high 35pts. on a career-high six 3-pters. as the Huskies turned a 7-pt half-time lead into a 41-pt. blowout and easily defeating Syracuse, 95-54. Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis received her first career start (in place of injured Jr. G Caroline Doty) and finished with 19pts. and 8rebs. while UConn All-American candidate So. G Bria Hartley chipped in 18pts. and 7asts. for the 3rd-ranked Huskies. Fr. C Kiah Stokes had a solid game off the bench adding 8pts., 7rebs., and 3blks. in a career-high 24mins. Doty, who left the DePaul game after playing just 2 minutes because her troublesome left knee swelled, did not play against Syracuse because of a minor bone bruise in the knee, but is probable for Saturday's game at home against South Florida. It was "Pack the House" night at the Carrier Dome with tickets set at $2 apiece, and among the school-record 4,357 fans was local star Breanna Stewart, the top prospect in the nation. The 6'4 Sr. F/C at Cicero-North Syracuse High School announced last February that she was headed to UConn, and she wanted a firsthand look at her future team.

The Connecticut women's basketball team is one of nine programs that have been selected by Nike to wear the new Nike Hyper Elite Platinum uniform this season. The Huskies will wear the uniform when it hosts Notre Dame at the XL Center on February 27, 2012 at 9pm on ESPN2. Each of the nine programs selected have won NCAA Championships in Nike apparel. In addition to the Connecticut women, the participating schools include the Connecticut men's team, Arizona, the Baylor women's team, Duke, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Syracuse. UConn is the only school to have both its men's and women's program as part of the deal. According to Nike, the "Nike Hyper Elite Platinum uniform is designed at the intersection of sustainability and performance. Nike created the uniforms specifically for superior performance and lower environmental impact. The fabric of the Nike Hyper Elite Platinum shorts are made from 100 percent recycled polyester while the jersey fabric is made from at least 96% recycled polyester. Both short and jersey are tailored for the optimal efficiency of movement and are five percent lighter than the previous Nike Hyper Elite uniform. Featuring laser-cut bonded logos, a sharp platinum design as well as prominent accent colors, the Nike Hyper Elite Platinum uniforms are sure to shine on the court."

Other aspects of the uniform include:
*Laser perforations in side panels for increased breathability and a lightweight 4-way stretch woven design on the short.
*A bonded hem detailing found on the short and the bonded back seam near the neckline to enhance comfort and style.
*A lightweight Nike Sphere fabric on the front.
*A full Nike Aerographics back panel.

Fans can follow the press conference announcing the new uniforms at: http://www.nikelivepresents.com/platinum/nike_platinum.html

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Syracuse Orange (13-7, 2-4 BE).

Location: Carrier Dome (Syracuse, NY)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 6pm)
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: ICS Live Stats

UConn freshman W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis was named the Big East Freshman of the Week for the 6th time in her career after helping UConn to a 3-0 week including two wins over ranked teams and averaging 16.7ppg and 6.7rpg. Mosqueda-Lewis had 15 points, six rebounds and two assists in a win against 24/21 North Carolina on Jan. 16. Three days later, she had 10 points and seven rebounds against Cincinnati. In a win at 21/19 DePaul, she shot 62 percent from the floor, including a 5-of-7 performance from 3-point range, to lead the team with 25 points. She added seven rebounds and was 4-of-4 from the free throw line.

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (17-2, 6-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 88, DePaul 44
Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (25p, 7r, 1s, 1b, 22m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (4dr, 3s, 2b, 25m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (25p, 7r, 1s, 1b, 22m)
Stat of the Game: Bench Pts.: UConn 46, DePaul 9

Summary: Led by Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and her 25pts., UConn started the game on fire and it was over before the first timeout as the Huskies doubled-up DePaul, 88-44. What was supposed to be a tough game was quickly over as UConn shot 54% and recieved 18-1st half pts. from Mosqueda-Lewis. DePaul's leading scorer Jr. G Anna Martin, who came in averaging a team-high 19.2 points, missed all six shots and was held scoreless by the brilliant defense of Jr. G Kelly Faris (aided in the 2nd half by Fr. G Brianna Banks). About the only downer for the Huskies was Jr. G Caroline Doty leaving after playing just 2 minutes because her troublesome left knee swelled up. She's torn the anterior-cruciate ligament three times, so it probably wasn't too surprising that it acted up with the Huskies playing their fourth game in eight days.

UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma wasn't concerned, saying, "There's no alarm at all."

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at 21/19 Depaul Blue Demons (15-4, 3-2 BE).

Location: McGrath-Phillips Arena (Chicago, IL)
Time: 8:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (16-2, 5-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 80, Cincinnati 37
Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (17p, 7r, 2a, 4s, 30m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (6dr, 2s, 26m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (10p, 7r, 1a, 1b, 22m)
Stat of the Game: 2nd Chance Pts.: UConn 26, Cincinnati 3

Summary: It never easy for a current Husky playing in a game against a former Husky, and especially not easy when that player is as special as Jamelle Elliott was to UConn. But one team has to win and as usual as it was UConn who won going away over Cincinnati, 80-37. Led by All-American candidates Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (17p & 7r) and So. Stefanie Dolson (14p & 8r), UConn saw every player score for the second time this season and won at home for the NCAA-record 96 consecutive time.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (9-8, 0-4 BE).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:30pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 6:30pm)
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (15-2, 4-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 86, North Carolina 35
Player of the Game: So. G Bria Hartley (17p, 3r, 8a, 3s, 34m)
Def. Player of the Game: So. C Stefanie Dolson (3dr, 3s, 2b, 23m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. C Kiah Stokes (11p, 11r, 1s, 2b, 14m)
Stat of the Game: A/TO: UConn 26/17, UNC 4/26

Summary: Led once again by All-American candidate So. G Bria Hartley, UConn easily handled (embarassed is more like it) North Carolina, 86-35. Hartley scored 17pts. to go along with 3rebs., 8asts., and 3stls. while Fr. C Kiah Stokes came off the bench to record her 1st career double-double with career-highs of 11pts. and 11rebs. The 51-pt. defeat was the worst loss in Tar Heel history and it might have been worse if UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma didn't pull most of his starters early in the 2nd half. No one on UNC scored in double figures whereas the Huskies finished with six.

UConn freshman W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis was named the Big East Freshman of the Week for the 5th time in her career after helping UConn to a 2-0 week and averaging 14.5ppg, 5rpg and 3apg in a 2-0 week for Connecticut. She shot 50 percent from the field, including 57.1 percent from 3-point range. Against Providence on Jan. 10, she had 13 points, six assists, eight rebounds and two steals with just one turnover. In a win at Villanova on Jan. 14, Mosqueda-Lewis had 16 points, connecting on 6-of-12 from the floor and 3-of-5 from behind the arc while adding three steals.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 22/21 North Carolina Tar Heels (12-4).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2
Internet: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (14-2, 4-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 72, Villanova 49
Player of the Game: Sr. G Tiffany Hayes (22p, 5r, 3a, 3s, 37m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (4dr, 2s, 1b, 36m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (16p, 2r, 3s, 29m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 28, Villanova 4

Summary: Well that was fun!!! Ya know the "pull your hair out, stab yourself in the eye with a pencil" kinda fun!!! It was a game versus Villanova, which means the Wildcats slowed the game down to give themselves a chance. Luckily for UConn fans, Villanova hasn't had enough talent to pull it off since Trish Juline and the 2003 Wildcats. Led by UConn All-American candidate Sr. G Tiffany Hayes' 22pts, the Huskies pulled away late to defeat Villanova, 72-49. Freshman W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis added 16pts. off the bench as the Huskies went to a 5-guard line-up and turned up the defense to force the best ball-handling team (11.1 TOpg) in the nation into 23 TO's.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Villanova Wildcats (11-5, 2-2 BE).

Location: The Pavilion (Philadelphia, PA)
Time: 2:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

3/3 Connecticut Huskies (13-2, 3-1 BE)

Results: Connecticut 96, Providence 35
Player of the Game: So. G Bria Hartley (19p, 4r, 3a, 3s, 25m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (4dr, 1s, 1b, 21m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (13p, 8r, 6a, 2s, 1b, 29m)
Stat of the Game: Bench Pts.: UConn 37, Providence 8

Summary: Everyone got in on the action tonight and everyone contributed as UConn easily routed Providence, 96-35. Led by the UConn All-American candidate trio of Sr. G Tiffany Hayes, So. G Bria Hartley, and So. G Stefanie Dolson (who combined for 50pts., 11rebs., and 12asts. on 19 of 23 FG shooting), the Huskies extended their NCAA-record home-court winning streak to 94 consecutive games. Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis bounced back nicely from a rough game at Notre Dame to finish with 13p/8r/6a/2s/1b and Fr. G Brianna Banks had a good game as well finishing with 8p/5r/2a in 20mins.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Providence Friars (9-7, 1-2 BE).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 6pm)
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

2/2 Connecticut Huskies (12-2, 2-1 BE)

Results: Notre Dame 74, Connecticut 67 (OT)
Player of the Game: Sr. G Natalie Novosel, ND (20p, 5r, 3a, 3s, 41m)
Def. Player of the Game: Sr. G Brittany Mallory, ND (2dr, 2s, 1b, 40m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (7p, 4r, 3a, 1s, 1b, 33m)
Stat of the Game: FT Shooting: UConn 12-20, Notre Dame 23-29

Summary: Once again it was close, but NOT close enough. This time the Huskies led Notre Dame by 2 with just over 20 seconds remaining in regulation, only to turn the ball over (on a no-call, but whatever) and allowed Notre Dame to score and send the game into overtime. Notre Dame then out-scored UConn 11-4 in the OT to give the Huskies their 2nd loss of the season winning by the score of 74-67. Notre Dame's All-American candidates Sr. G Natalie Novosel and Jr. G Skylar Diggins led teh way for the Fighting Irish with 20pts and 22pts., respectively while UConn was led by their All-American candidate So. G Bria Hartley who finished with a game-high 25pts.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at 3/3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-1, 2-0 BE).

Location: Joyce Center (South Bend, IN)
Time: 4:00pm (ET)
TV: CBS
Internet: None
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

2/2 Connecticut Huskies (12-1, 2-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 79, West Virginia 60
Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (14p, 5r, 5a, 6s, 1b, 34m)
Def. Player of the Game: Jr. G Kelly Faris (4dr, 6s, 1b, 34m)
Fr. Player of the Game: Fr. W Kaleena M. Lewis (12p, 5r, 3a, 3s, 32m)
Stat of the Game: Turnovers: UConn 13, WVU 29

Summary: To say that this game was physical would be putting it lightly, it was like "Fight Club" out there. UConn All-American candidate So. G Bria Hartley led the Huskies with 18pts. and Jr. G Kelly Faris added 14p/5r/5a/6s/1b as UConn pulled away in the 2nd half to defeat West Virginia, 79-60. Ice bags in the locker room told the story of his team's win over West Virginia much better than the stat sheet. Five players scored in double figures as UConn extended its NCAA-record home winning streak to 93 games. All-American candidate Sr. G Tiffany Hayes had 13 points, Fr. W Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis added 12, and RJr. G Caroline Doty chipped in 11.

"There were a lot of knockdowns, a lot of takedowns in this game today," UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma said. "There is a lot of ice right now in the locker room."

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (10-3, 1-0 BE).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Radio: UConn Radio Network/WTIC
Live Stats: GameTracker

UConn All-American candidate Sr. G Tiffany Hayes was named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll this week after she went 8-of-11, including a pair of 3-pointers, in the Huskies win against Fairfield on Dec. 29. She scored 23 points in just 27 minutes of action, adding five rebounds and a pair of assists. She moved into 19th place on UConn’s all-time scoring list with 1,413 career points.