Women’s title: Battle of OT survivors

Forget UConn, as Notre Dame faces Mississippi State

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Vic Schaefer and his Mississippi State Bulldogs carry a constant reminder of how far they went in the Women’s NCAA Tournament last year, and what must still be done.

It’s right there, engraved on the side of their runner-up rings: “ONE MORE.”

A season after losing to South Carolina 67-55 in the title game, Morgan William and the Bulldogs try again to win that elusive first crown. They play Notre Dame on Sunday in a matchup of teams that both have spoiled perfect seasons for mighty Connecticut. ■

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Ohio

■ TV: ESPN

■ Line: Mississippi State -1½

“We would say add another one a lot,” Schaefer said. “‘One More,’ it came from two Navy SEALs who worked with the kids in the fall — Sam and Brian. One of the things they talk about all the time is one more.”

Schaefer learned a lot from last beating Louisville in overtime to advance to the title game a second straight year. This time though, it was the first semifinal and the players were able to get to bed about three hours earlier than the previous year.

“Yeah, we watched the UConn-Notre Dame game but then were able to get to sleep around 12:30 a.m.,” said William, who hit the buzzer-beating shot that dropped UConn last season.

This time it was Notre Dame that ended the Huskies’ undefeated season. Arike Ogunbowale hit a jumper from the wing with a second left in overtime to beat UConn.

A win on Sunday would give coach Muffet McGraw a second title at Notre Dame. The Irish won in 2001 before falling short in the championship game in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.