UConn hits high gear in time for tournaments

Wednesday, March 9, 2005 | 9:03 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

After negotiating the curves of a frustrating regular season, Connecticut has finally found a stretch of straight, dependable highway as the NCAA tournament sits on the horizon.

The top is down, the pedal is to the metal and the Huskies are hitting top speed when it counts, suggesting that they have a chance to cross the finish line first in women's college basketball yet again.

A 26-5 start Tuesday night in Hartford, Conn., propelled third-seeded UConn to the checkered flag of the Big East Conference tournament final with a 67-51 victory over top-seeded Rutgers.

Except for a period of engine lock in the first half, the Huskies (23-7) steered steadily along, prevailing with familiar resolve and muscle on defense, sufficient patience and control against the fierce Rutgers press, ceaseless hustle and tournament-ready depth.

As UConn won the conference tournament for the first time since 2002, guard Ann Strother scored 20 points, and forward Barbara Turner added 13 points and six rebounds. Center Jessica Moore contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.

It was the second time that the Huskies had defeated ninth-ranked Rutgers in three meetings this season. The Scarlet Knights, led by Matee Ajavon with 20 points, shot a frigid 18 for 57 (31.6 percent) and were outrebounded, 47-29.

"I think Connecticut wanted it more," C. Vivian Stringer, the Rutgers coach, said. "They played harder. It was evident with the rebounding. We seemed a step slow. It's good for Connecticut. This is the time you've got to put it together."

With victories over Rutgers (25-6) and Notre Dame -- both ranked in the top 10 -- on successive nights, UConn now appears to be gaining confidence that it might have a shot at a fourth consecutive national championship.

Big 12

Western Athletic Conference

Nevada (8-21) trailed by as many as nine points in the second half but used a 22-5 run to take command of the game down the stretch.

Boise State (10-18) led by 10 points at halftime and by as much as 12 points in the second half, but UTEP (12-17) fought back down the stretch.

Sun Belt

With Holmes scoring 14 points and Chrissy Givens tying her career-high with 18, the Middle Tennessee (23-8) beat Louisiana-Lafayette in the tournament championship game to earn their second straight automatic bid into the NCAA field.

Mid-Continent Conference