UConn women's basketball reaches 25th Final Four

Defending champions defeat Notre Dame 70-52 to advance to national semifinals

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of the UConn women's basketball team's victory over Notre Dame, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the competitive nature of the game.UConn's dominant win over Notre Dame showcases the program's continued excellence and championship pedigree.Phoenix Today

The UConn Huskies women's basketball team defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 70-52 in the Fort Worth Regional 1 final on Sunday, securing their 25th trip to the Final Four under legendary coach Geno Auriemma. UConn, still unbeaten at 38-0 and riding a 54-game winning streak, locked up the first Final Four spot in Phoenix and now sits two wins away from a 13th national title.

Why it matters

UConn's continued dominance in women's college basketball underscores their status as one of the most successful programs in NCAA history. Their 25th Final Four appearance is a testament to the team's consistency and the leadership of Coach Auriemma, who has guided the Huskies to 13 national championships.

The details

Sarah Strong led UConn with 21 points, including a dominant second half, while Blanca Quiñonez added 20 in a breakout performance. Azzi Fudd contributed 13 points and four assists, shaking off a slow start to help seal the win. Despite the final margin, the game was far more competitive than UConn's 38-point rout of Notre Dame earlier this season. The Irish, making their first Elite Eight appearance since 2019, stayed within striking distance for much of the contest behind Hannah Hidalgo, who finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • The Final Four tips off on Friday, with the national championship game set for April 5.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The legendary head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, who has guided the program to 13 national championships.

Sarah Strong

The leading scorer for the UConn Huskies, with 21 points in the win over Notre Dame.

Blanca Quiñonez

A UConn player who had a breakout performance, scoring 20 points in the victory.

Azzi Fudd

A UConn player who contributed 13 points and four assists, shaking off a slow start to help seal the win.

Hannah Hidalgo

The leading scorer for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with 22 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We've been here before, and we know what it takes to win at this level. Our players stepped up when it mattered most, and I'm proud of their effort.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“It was a tough game, but we fought hard and gave it our all. I'm proud of the way my team competed against one of the best programs in the country.”

— Niele Ivey, Head Coach, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

What’s next

The UConn Huskies will face the winner of the matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the TCU Horned Frogs in the national semifinal on Friday. The national championship game is set for April 5.

The takeaway

UConn's dominant run in women's college basketball continues, as the Huskies secure their 25th Final Four appearance under Coach Auriemma. Their ability to win at the highest level, even in close games, underscores their status as one of the most successful programs in NCAA history.