HARTFORD, Conn. -- Top-ranked Connecticut beat No. 23 Louisville, 65-59, tonight at the XL Center in the Big East Women's Basketball Tournament championship game.

It is the 14th Big East Tournament title for the Huskies (32-1) and their third such title in four years. The Huskies led 34-19 at the half but had to withstand a furious rally by the Cardinals, who pulled to within 48-47 with about 5:00 to play, in order to hold on for the win.