WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAMEDAY

No. 2 UCONN vs. No. 1 NC STATE KEEP AN EYE ON

A solid starting five: UConn coach Geno Auriemma has used 11 different starting lineups this season with injuries forcing eight players to miss at least two games or more. With Paige Bueckers back to playing a full load of minutes, the Hall of Fame coach debuted his latest lineup in last weekend’s opening rounds: Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Aaliyah Edwards and Christyn Williams. The five have gone 3-0 with a 43.3 field goal percentage while averaging 27.8 minutes on the court.

What’s on the line: The Huskies need to win to extend their run of 13 straight Final Fours and have the chance to play in next Sunday’s national championship for title No. 12. UConn hasn’t lost in the Elite Eight since 2007 (73-50 to LSU). Meanwhile, NC State will be playing for its second Final Four berth after last competing in the national semifinals in 1998. The Wolfpack have never played in the national championship game.

Scouting NC State: Monday will be NC State’s first Elite

Eight appearance since 1998 — when it advanced to the Final Four by defeating UConn, 60-52. The Wolfpack earned its spot in the regional final after beating No. 5 Notre Dame Saturday in the Sweet 16, 66-63. NC State advanced to regionals after defeating Longwood and Kansas State in the first two rounds. UConn is 6-2 all-time against NC State. The teams haven’t met since 2007 with the Huskies winning the last four meetings. The Huskies have met the Wolfpack four previous times in the NCAA Tournament, holding a 3-1 record. Monday will be Auriemma’s first meeting against NC State current head coach Wes Moore.

NC State is led by Elissa Cunane with 13.6 and 7.6 rebounds per game. The Wolfpack swept the ACC regular season and tournament titles and currently ride a 13-game win streak. Its only losses this season were against South Carolina (66-57 on Nov. 9), Georgia (82-80 OT on Dec. 16) and Notre Dame (6966 on Feb. 1).