The No. 3 Irish are 16-0 and 5-0 but have never defeated Connecticut in 11 meetings.

Twice previously, in 1984 and 1990, the Tar Heels defeated Connecticut in the championship game.

The Orangemen, who have appeared in seven of the last eight championship games, lost the potential opportunity to defeat Connecticut for a second time this season.

The third-seeded Yellow Jackets, who have defeated Connecticut and Duke this season, improved to 25-9.

Syracuse (19-3 and 8-2) defeated Connecticut, 59-53, tonight.

Having already defeated Connecticut this season, Duke could have established itself as the clear favorite with a victory against the Lady Vols.

In the national semifinals, Michigan State defeated Connecticut, 82-73.

In yesterday's other game, Santa Clara defeated Connecticut, 1-0.

Duke, of course, was the heavy favorite to defeat Connecticut in the championship, only to lose one of the most dramatic title games in history.

Pitt, the Big East champion, has defeated Connecticut twice this season: by 61-58, and by 74-69.