Connecticut women's basketball team won its 89th consecutive game against Florida State on Tuesday night.
The 92-63 against a 9-3 Florida State team that populates the last spot in the Top 20, illustrates a dominance that hasn't been seen in any sport by any gender in 40 years.
The UCLA Bruins won 88 straight from 1971-74 with a 7' center from New York City, Lew Alcindor, who is more commonly known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Connecticut coach, Geno Auriemma uses a similar philosophy to the fabled UCLA coach, John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood. Wooden died June 4. His grandson, Greg, attended Connecticut's record breaking game.
Alcindor's counterpart, Maya Moore, scored a career-high 41 points for the Huskies.
Moore is considered the best player in the country.
The Women's college game doesn't get the attention that the Men's game does but the women are no less dedicated. It is fun to watch.
I've watched both genders play a lot in the last 20 years. The Men's game is fast and powerful. The players are can play above the rim. While, the male basketball players rely on pure athleticism, the women depend on being fundamentally sound.
It's not that the men don't have the fundamentals but their margin for error is greater because of their physical capabilities. The women have to be more sound fundamentally to succeed.
Xavier has arguably two of the top three players in the country in 6'6" Amber Harris and 6'6" Ta'Shia Phillips.
Next to Moore this pair from Indianapolis, are the best in the nation for the 4th ranked Musketeers.
It is probably the best kept secret in Cincinnati spectator sports. I would encourage that true sports fan to take in a game, if you have never seen them play. Also, catch Connecticut's act when they visit UC on January 29th. Barring a loss before then, the Huskies will be trying to win for the 99th straight time.
On December 30th, Connecticut plays the last team to beat them, 2nd ranked, Stanford.
If they continue the streak their 100th straight would be against 3rd ranked Duke on Jan 31st. Duke just ended a 25-game regular season streak by Xavier on Wednesday.
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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