UConn nearly fell apart in Cincinnati, but Kaili McLaren came through.

The Huskies blew a twelve-point halftime lead amid a river of silly fouls, non-rebounds, and miscues; the Bearcats wanted it more. But McLaren, with four fouls herself, blocked three shots in a row, Thomas and Montgomery hit big treys, and UConn did just enough to notch its 700th win.

Charde Houston started, but sat after four minutes and never returned. Injury? Freud? Geno isn't saying: "I just don't think she gave us a chance to win," he non-explained. "So we decided to go in a different direction."

The Bulletin's Joe Perez gives Kaili her due: "I knew I just had to tough it out," said McLaren. A slowdown offense compensated for her stamina troubles, letting her catch her breath and key the win.

For the Bearcats, who led with four minutes left, it's a huge might-have-been. "I'm proud of their effort," coach Pirtle says; "we've got to find a way to finish."

Greene scored 20; Bearcats reserves Ogide and Humphries keyed the near-upset with 11 and 12.