Last two teams to knock off UConn at buzzer of OT, MSU, Notre Dame meet for chance to get big prize

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Video packages of Morgan William's shot to end Connecticut's 111-game winning streak in last season's national semifinal still run prominently this season, but it was déjà vu all over again on Friday night.

That's when Notre Dame had an overtime game of their own with the Huskies end with a thrilling game-winning shot as Arike Ogunbowale nailed the jumper from the wing to send UConn home early again. Last year it was the Bulldogs getting the media frenzy, signing autographs and getting to bed at 4 a.m. This year, the Bulldogs (37-1) are feeling quite different heading into the national championship game tonight.

The teams that have beaten UConn in the national semifinals have not always fared well in the championship game. UConn had previously lost seven times in the national semifinals since 1991 and teams that beat them are just 2-5 with the last four leaving with a loss in the championship game.

Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw has defeated the Huskies five times with the Fighting Irish with just one win in the title game. Vic Schaefer was there to help deal one of those losses when he was an assistant at Texas A&M in 2011 and he doesn't give much credence to the hangover from UConn.

“The only thing worse than playing Connecticut is playing the team that beat them,” Schaefer said. “They're really good. Notre Dame is a heck of a team. We fully knew that what happened (Friday) could happen and we're prepared for that.”

Schaefer won't dare take the Irish for granted after what they've overcome this season.

Notre Dame has had four players go down with season-ending knee injuries and several more have been banged up throughout the season. The Irish still managed to find themselves 34-3 and one win away from a national championship.

Much of that is due to McGraw's leadership. The coach is in her 31st season with the school and looking for an 800th win today. She was chosen Associated Press National Coach of the Year with Schaefer earning three of those himself.

With Ogunbowale averaging 20.9 points per game, McGraw has some serious talent even with those injuries. Jessica Shepard has been a steady post presence after transferring from Nebraska and Marina Mabrey has been the team's rock.

Still, the national championship is a different animal and she knows the Bulldogs have the upper hand.

“Nobody on my team has been in this position,” McGraw said. “It's all about the

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