Multiple streaks came to an end on Saturday when No. 2 UConn lost to No. 3 Ohio State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. For the first time since 2007, the Huskies won’t compete in the Final Four. It also marks the first time since 2005 that UConn failed to advance to the Elite Eight.
“The problem with streaks is, the longer they go, you’re closer to it ending than you are to the beginning of it,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said after his team’s 73-61 loss at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
Auriemma, who has been at the helm of the Huskies program since 1985, said the streak also provided a false impression of what it means win NCAA tournament games in March.
“We made it look so routine and so easy, we gave the impression that it’s very easy to do. It’s a reminder that, no, it’s not. It’s very difficult to do. So you appreciate what we had, what we did, and, you know, you have to start another one next year.”
By snapping UConn’s streak, Ohio State also ended its own drought. When the Buckeyes step onto the court for Monday’s Elite Eight matchup against Virginia Tech, it will be the program’s first appearance in a regional final since 1993.