HARTFORD, CT. -- Top-ranked Connecticut beat Notre Dame, 59-44, tonight in a Big East Women's Basketball Tournament semifinal at the XL Center to become the first team in Division I history to win 71 games in a row. The total eclipses the record of 70 set by the Huskies from 2001-03.

But unlike most of the games during this strech, this one wasn't easy -- even though it, like the 70 prior to it, was decided by ten or more points - and that is a tribute to the way the Irish played, particularly in the first half as they trailed only 25-22 at halftime.

The Huskies (32-0), however, seized control of the game midway through the second half with a 13-4 run which gave them a 14-point lead - 51-37 - and from that point they shut down the Irish.

Still, Notre Dame (27-5) was hanging around - and trailed only 54-44 with 2:45 to play - but Kalana Greene scored back-to-back baskets to end all doubt.

Tina Charles led the Huskies with 16 points and 17 rebounds and Greene added 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Huskies will play the winner of the late game between West Virginia and Rutgers tomorrow in the championship game.

First Published: March 9, 2010, 1:00 a.m.