Geno realized the significance of last night's game.

"For me, it was 'D needs to be at the Final Four her senior year.' Her career should not end in any way, shape or form unless it's at the Final Four. That's the way it's supposed to end for her."

Taurasi and Turner played like All-Stars. With some of their teammates struggling, Diana and and Barbara kept pouring in the points. When Penn State made a run, Diana and Barbara shut it down.

"Obviously we didn't have an answer for Turner," coach Portland said. "She was the biggest problem for us. She had a special night on a special night for her team."

The Lions' inability to hit shots was staggering. Lots of their trouble was due to the Huskies' defense. The UConn defense was smart -- constant changes, quick switches off screens, different looks on every set -- and tough.

UConn's physical play got in to PSU's head. When Mazzante would cut across the lane, she often took shots. And when she didn't get calls, she got frustrated. "They blatantly hit me coming across the middle - that was there game plan," Mazzante said.

Coach Portland left with some complaints about the lack of calls, but Chris Korman wonders if maybe Rene didn't prepare her team for championship-level play.