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Final: No. 1 UConn Women’s Basketball Claws Back to Defeat No. 3 Notre Dame, 80-71

Azura Stevens led the Huskies to a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback.

By Daniel Connolly
UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) goes up for two of her 17 points during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017.
UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) goes up for two of her 17 points during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017.
Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog

In front of a sold-out XL Center, the No. 1 UConn women’s basketball team used a fourth-quarter comeback to take down the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 80-71.

The comeback was orchestrated by Azura Stevens and even more impressively, UConn did so without Katie Lou Samuelson—who left with an injury—and Gabby Williams—who was benched for the entire second half.

Things looked dire for the Huskies with 9:34 left in the fourth quarter after Notre Dame hit a 3-pointer to take an 11 point lead. To make matters worse, Samuelson exited on the ensuing possession.

But then Azura Stevens took over. The redshirt junior had her coming out party in the fourth quarter and single-handedly brought UConn back as she contributed in some form on nearly every Husky basket down the stretch.

The Huskies’ defense locked down in the fourth quarter, holding Notre Dame without a field goal for the final 4:11 while allowing just nine points.

UConn’s free throw shooting, along with a few huge rebounds from Megan Walker, helped the Huskies come away with the thrilling victory.

At the start, the two teams were evenly matched, trading baskets to the first media timeout. The Irish held a narrow 14-12 lead in large part due to six early points from Jessica Shepard, who used her clear size advantage over the Huskies frontcourt.

But UConn was the first to pull out ahead. They held Notre Dame scoreless over the last three minutes of the first quarter and re-took the lead.

Katie Lou Samuelson returned to the lineup, forcing Azura Stevens back to the bench. However, the transfer built on her west coast performance to help spark a 9-0 run to give the Huskies a 26-18 lead, forcing Muffet McGraw to take a timeout.

The Irish wouldn’t stay down for long, though. Arike Ogunbowale ripped off an 7-0 run by herself to tie the game. Notre Dame’s run built to 13-0, which forced Geno Auriemma to take a timeout as his team fell down six.

The Huskies broke out of their 3:28 cold streak thanks to a layup from Samuelson, but couldn’t cut into the deficit, as the Irish responded with four straight baskets to extend their lead to 12.

However, back-to-back threes from Dangerfield and Samuelson cut the Notre Dame lead to just 43-36 at the half.

Out of the break, Auriemma gave the start to Stevens instead of Gabby Williams, who scored just two points on 1-7 shooting in the first half. The junior failed to see the court for the entirety of the second half due to coach’s decision.

The Huskies came out strong but struggled to close the lead. Samuelson had a sequence with a steal, offensive foul and a pair of fouls shots to cut the deficit to three, but Notre Dame continued to keep UConn at arms-length.

It didn’t help that the Huskies’ offense continued to sputter throughout the third quarter. They went over five combined minutes without scoring and entered into the fourth quarter trailing by eight.

But the pendulum began to swing thanks to a pair of baskets from Stevens sandwiched by a Kia Nurse 3-pointer. Stevens followed it up by hitting a pair of free throws before giving UConn the lead on the next possession with a lay-in.

The teams traded baskets for the next few possessions before a second-chance layup from Kia Nurse stretched the lead to three. That lead grew from three to five and eventually climbed to nine, which would be the final thanks to the Huskies’ free throw shooting at the end.

Katie Lou Samuelson led UConn with 18 points despite missing much of the fourth quarter, although she would return for a single possession at the end of the game.

With the victory, the Huskies improve to 7-0 on the season. Next, they head to Chicago to face the DePaul Blue Devils on Friday. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. on FS1.

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma postgame:

Kia Nurse, Katie Lou Samuelson, Napheesa Collier, Azura Stevens postgame:

Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw postgame:

  • UConn head coach Geno Auriemma talks with Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw before the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) shoots over Notre Dame's Jessica Shepard (23) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Gabby Williams (15) shoots during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) attempts a three-pointer over /Notre Dame's Jessica Shepard (23) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw looks on during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Gabby Williams (15) goes in for a layup during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Kia Nurse (11) shoots a three-pointer during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) throws a pass to Gabby Williams (15) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) tries to block the shot of Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn assistant coach Marisa Moseley yells out instructions during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn's Crystal Dangerfield (5) tries to prevent Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) from making a pass during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) is guarded by UConn's Kia Nurse (11) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn's Crystal Dangerfield (5) gets a pass by the arm of Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) is guarded by UConn's Crystal Dangerfield (5) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) drives past Notre Dame's Lili Thompson (1) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) grabs a rebound from Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) is upset after being fouled during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw and her assistant Niele Ivey look on during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) reacts after missing a pass during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield (5) and head coach Geno Auriemma look on during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) shoots during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) goes in for two during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) shoots a three over UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) lays it in in front of UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) tries to shoot over UConn’s Megan Walker (3) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Gabby Williams (15) goes for a shot during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) shoots in front of UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) and Katie Lou Samuelson (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield (5) points out instructions during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) fights with Notre Dame's Jessica Shepard (23) for a rebound during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Kyla Irwin (25), Kia Nurse (11) and Gabby Williams (15) look on during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) attempts a three during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) celebrates after a three-pointer during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) fights for a rebound during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn�s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) is greeted by Azura Stevens (23) after being fouled during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) lays it in during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) goes up for two of her team-high 18 points during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) drives past Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) reacts after being fouled during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) draws the charge from Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) draws the charge from Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) draws the charge from Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) reacts after drawing ta charge from Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) attempts a free throw during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Kia Nurse (11) goes for the block of Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) shot during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield (5) shoots a three over the outstretched arm of Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn�s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) goes in for a layup during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) lays it in during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) has her shot blocked by Notre Dame's Jessica Shepard (23) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Jessica Shepard (23) blocks the shot over UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) blocks the shot of Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) attempts a three-pointer during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Lili Thompson (1) is guarded by UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield (5) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • Notre Dame's Jessica Shepard (23) gets ready to try and dribble past UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn head coach Geno Auriemma talks with UConn associate head coach Chris Dailey during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) blocks the shot of Notre Dame's Jessica Shepard (23) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) blocks the shot of Notre Dame's Jessica Shepard (23) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn head coach Geno Auriemma chats with UConn associate head coach Chris Dailey during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) shoots a free throw during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) waits for the pass from Napheesa Collier (24) over Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey's (3) arm during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) throws a pass during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Megan Walker (3) drives past Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Megan Walker (3) lays it in during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Kia Nurse (11) attempts a three-pointer during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield (5) throws a pass to Azura Stevens (23) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) tries to prevent Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) from making a shot during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Megan Walker (3) guards a Notre Dame player during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) looks to dribble past Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield (5) puts up a three-pointer during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) prepares to shoot a free throw during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • A UConn cheerleader cheers during a timeout during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) looks to get up a shot over Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Kia Nurse (11) blows by Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Kia Nurse (11) puts up a layup during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Kia Nurse (11) goes in for the layup during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) looks with UConn associate head coach Chris Dailey after returning from the locker room during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) shoots over Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) tries to drive past Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Azura Stevens (23) puts up a shot over Notre Dame's Kathryn Westbeld (33) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) celebrates along with Kyla Irwin (25) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson (33) watches from the bench during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield (5) throws up a runner in the lane during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield (5) goes in for a layup during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Kia Nurse (11) is faked out by Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey (3) during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Napheesa Collier (24) shoots a free throw during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn’s Megan Walker (3) shoots a free throw during the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies women's college basketball game in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog
  • UConn head coach Geno Auriemma shakes hands with Notre Dame's Arike Ogunbowale (24) after UConn's win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Women's Jimmy V Classic at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on December 3, 2017. Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog

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