0AA5C783_Muffet's Squad no match for top-ranked UConn.flv

There was plenty of hype heading into it.

But when the game began, the undefeated and 3rd ranked Irish women's basketball team was no match for the nation's best team, losing 70-46 at UConn Saturday evening in the first game ever featured by ESPN's College Gameday.

With the victory, the Huskies extend their win streak to 56 games, the 2nd longest streak in women's basketball history. All 56 wins have come by double digits. The closest any team has come--Notre Dame--a year ago when the Irish lost by 10.

This year, Notre Dame was down 10 within minutes. After the Irish tied the game at two on an Ashley Barlow steal and bucket, UConn went on a 15-0 run to jump out to a 17-2 lead.

Notre Dame committed nine turnovers in the first nine minutes, and were trailing by 20 before the 10:00 mark of the 1st half. Tina Charles was unstoppable, scoring 17 of 23 points before the break as UConn jumped out to a 36-10 lead.

Skylar Diggins missed her first 10 shots and did not score until the final eight minutes of the game.

The Irish are now 15-1 and fail in their attempt to give head coach Muffet McGraw her 600th career win.

Notre Dame returns to action Tuesday night when they travel to Louisville.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• girls basketball
• skylar diggins