UConn's Geno Auriemma hopes to keep championship game streak alive

NEW ORLEANS -- Geno Auriemma has never lost an NCAA championship game.

Of course, his UConn Huskies haven't had to face a team like upstart Louisville, which is making an unprecedented run through the women's tournament. A victory Tuesday night over the Cardinals would give UConn its eighth title, matching Tennessee for the most in women's basketball.

Auriemma didn't want to think about it.

"Talking about things that haven't happened yet is never a good idea," Auriemma said.

History is on the Hall of Fame coach's side: UConn (34-4) is 7-0 in title games, including a victory in the 2009 game against Louisville and the 2004 game that also was played in New Orleans.

This trip to the Big Easy 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 tournament. She had a season-high 29 points in the semifinal win over Notre Dame and was named most outstanding player of the Bridgeport Regional.

Stewart missed this season's first game against Louisville as she recovered from an ankle injury. UConn still won that game by 14 points. The Huskies have had their way with the Cardinals, winning the past 12 meetings, including that 2009 championship.

"I don't remember a thing, you try not to remember anything about those games," Louisville coach Jeff Walz deadpanned. "We're playing better basketball. 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."

The Cardinals (29-8) have rolled through the tournament behind freewheeling guard Shoni Schimmel. First came the upset of Brittney Griner and Baylor. Then came the victory over the Lady Vols -- the winningest program in women's basketball history. And finally the Final Four win over tournament newcomer Cal.

"It's going to take the best game we've played to date," Walz said. "We are going to have to play better than we played against Baylor, Tennessee and Cal. We're going to have to play 40 minutes of pretty much perfect basketball."