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The Nadal and Federer of Women's Hoops

UConn, Tennessee share NCAA spotlight; don't miss this one

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 18, 2009 10:12 AM CDT
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(Newser) – It's too bad the women's NCAA tournament is scheduled against the men's, writes Frank Deford for NPR: The conflict means too many viewers will miss the unstoppable force that is this year's Connecticut women's team. Sure, knowing the undefeated Huskies will win their sixth title since 1995 (to five for Tennessee) takes away the suspense, but their technical mastery more than makes up for it.

Rarely have two teams been so good for so long, and the fact that their showcase takes place in the shadows is an argument for shaking up the hoops calendar, Deford writes. He wants the women's tourney moved to February so fans can focus: "If I were a boys high school coach, I would make it mandatory for my team to watch this year's Huskies—playing the game correctly, exquisitely, at both ends of the court."

Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma speaks to reporters Monday, March 16, 2009, in Storrs, Conn., after the team was made a No. 1 seed in the NCAA women's college basketball tournament.
Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma speaks to reporters Monday, March 16, 2009, in Storrs, Conn., after the team was made a No. 1 seed in the NCAA women's college basketball tournament.   (AP Photo/Bob Child)
Connecticut's Tina Charles holds the Big East women's tournament trophy after her team's 75-36 win over Louisville.
Connecticut's Tina Charles holds the Big East women's tournament trophy after her team's 75-36 win over Louisville.   (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Connecticut's Maya Moore goes up for a layup in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big East Conference women's basketball tournament semifinal round.
Connecticut's Maya Moore goes up for a layup in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big East Conference women's basketball tournament semifinal round.   (AP Photo/Bob Child)
Connecticut's Maya Moore reacts as she takes a shot as Syracuse's Tasha Harris defends during the second half of an NCAA women's basketball game in Hartford, Conn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2008.
Connecticut's Maya Moore reacts as she takes a shot as Syracuse's Tasha Harris defends during the second half of an NCAA women's basketball game in Hartford, Conn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bob Child)
Connecticut's Maya Moore looks to move the ball against Louisville's Angel McCoughtry during the Big East women's tournament championship game in Hartford, Conn., Tuesday, March 10, 2009.
Connecticut's Maya Moore looks to move the ball against Louisville's Angel McCoughtry during the Big East women's tournament championship game in Hartford, Conn., Tuesday, March 10, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
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UConn pleased with bracket
Hartford Courant (Conn.)

Huskies: the prohibitive favorite
USA Today

But are they the best team ever?
New York Times

See the bracket here
ESPN

 
NCAA • NCAA basketball • Tennessee Lady Volunteers • UConn Huskies • Geno Auriemma • Pat Summitt • 2009 Women's NCAA Tournament

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