The UConn Women's 2003-04 season was a rock solid one, but there were a few hiccups along the way, including losing in the Big East Semi-Finals to BC...which around these parts is unheard of after winning the regular season title. And they were the two seed in the East Regional behind Big 10 Champ Penn State. However the regionals were in Hartford where UConn rarely loses. However they did twice in this season. After wins in Bridgeport against Penn and Auburn, the Huskies won a physical game against UC-Santa Barbara to get to it's fifth straight regional final. The Lady Lions, led by 2,900 pt scorer Kelly Mazzante, beat Hampton and Va Tech in Blacksburg, before disposing of Notre Dame in the Sweet 16....
Well over 14,000 were on hand for this one...many making the trip from Central PA, but it was definitely a pro UConn Crowd. But the first half was a absolute grind as both teams were sloppy and couldn't make shots...As the Huskies shot 41%, mainly Taurasi and Turner to led 21-13 at the half. Neither team scoring over the last 4:42 after UConn used a 10-2 margin to go up by the halftime score. The Lady Lions lowest scoring half of the season.
Then The BT Express went to work. Turner not only was a matchup problem inside with her quickness, she made 4 three's in the game...Three in the second half as Turner scored 11 points in the first four minutes to extend the lead to 31-17. Kelly Mazzante and the Lady Lions finally got going with a 10-1 run and eventually got to within 9 at 51-42 with 7:50 left. But Taurasi and Turner wouldn't allow Penn State to rally..Making shots and as a team, free throws to eventually pull away again and seal the deal in a 66-49 win. Taurasi and Turner outscored the Lady Lions themselves (27 & 26) . And as Taurasi left the floor for the last time in Hartford, a huge hug from Geno Auriemma where Dee actually picked him up....
UConn recently released it's Top 32 list via a bracket. Yes, Breanna Stewart won four titles, but had plenty of talent around her. Taurasi won her last two titles with mostly Freshmen (03') and Sophomore's (04)...And Geno will tell you Diana Taurasi is the best player he's ever coached...It's a great argument, but I'd agree with Coach....
To check out this game online, check out UConnHuskyGames.com