UConn beats Notre Dame 79-58 to win record ninth NCAA women's title

April 08, 2014 8:15 pm • Last Updated: April 09, 2014 12:22 am

By Ned Griffen

n.griffen@theday.com

Connecticut center Stefanie Dolson (31) embraces Connecticut center Kiah Stokes (41) after the second half of the championship game against Notre Dame in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Connecticut won 79-58.

Nashville, Tenn. — Breanna Stewart had 21 points and nine rebounds while Stefanie Dolson added 17 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in her final game as the UConn women's basketball team won its record ninth NCAA title and completed a perfect 40-0 season with a 79-58 victory over previously unbeaten Notre Dame on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena.

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis has added 18 points and seven rebounds for the Huskies, who dominated play inside against the smaller Irish, outrebounding Notre Dame 53-30.

Kayla McBride has 21 points for Notre Dame, which finished 37-1 in the first matchup of unbeaten teams in NCAA championship history.

Connecticut center Stefanie Dolson (31) embraces Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma during the second half of the championship game against Notre Dame in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Connecticut won 79-58.

Connecticut center Stefanie Dolson (31) celebrates a basket against Notre Dame during the first half of the championship game in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.

Connecticut forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots against Notre Dame guard Kayla McBride (21) during the first half of the championship game in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.

Connecticut center Stefanie Dolson (31) takes a pass as Notre Dame forward Taya Reimer (12) looks on during the first half of the championship game in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.

Connecticut forward Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (23) and Notre Dame guard Kayla McBride (21) scramble for the ball during the first half of the championship game in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.

Connecticut center Stefanie Dolson (31) celebrates her basket against Notre Dame during the second half of the championship game in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.

Connecticut forward Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (23) works against Notre Dame forward Taya Reimer (12) during the second half of the championship game in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.

Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw, left, greets Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma before the first half of the championship game in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.

Connecticut's Stefanie Dolson (31) celebrates Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis's basket against Notre Dame during the second half of the championship game in the Final Four of the NCAA women's college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.

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