The Game That Changed Women’s Basketball Forever
It was a night to remember, a night that would go down in history as a turning point for women’s basketball. The date was Jan. 16, 1995, and the place was Gampel Pavilion, where the UConn Huskies faced off against the top-ranked Tennessee Lady Volunteers. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric. The Huskies, ranked No. 2, were ready to prove themselves against the reigning powerhouse of women’s college basketball.
Rebecca Lobo, a key player for UConn, recalled the moment vividly. “The people were still there. Like, singing ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T.’ It was like a party no one wanted to leave,” she told ESPN. “A euphoric sort of feeling. Almost like they were afraid that if they left, the feeling would go away.”
The game was broadcast on ESPN, a significant milestone for women’s sports at a time when such exposure was limited. The Associated Press even postponed its Top 25 poll voting to account for the outcome, an unprecedented move that underscored the game’s importance.
UConn’s victory over Tennessee, with a final score of 77-66, was more than just a win. It was a statement. It marked the beginning of a new era for the Huskies, who would go on to complete a perfect 35-0 season and win their first NCAA title. This victory was a pivotal step in a season that changed the lives of the players, the program, and the sport itself.
The Journey to Perfection
The seeds of UConn’s championship run were sown in 1994. After a disappointing loss to North Carolina in the Elite Eight, the Huskies were determined to come back stronger. They returned all their major players and added freshman sensation Nykesha Sales, a Connecticut native.
That summer, the team embarked on a European trip to Belgium and Italy, where they bonded and honed their skills. Coach Geno Auriemma used the trip to instill life lessons and prepare the team for the upcoming season. “Coach made us all bring our plates back into the kitchen and wash them,” Lobo recalled. “It was a lesson about accountability.”
From a basketball standpoint, the trip was a success. The team adopted a new offense inspired by Phil Jackson’s Chicago Bulls and gained confidence from their performance against professional European squads. “Once we got over there and I saw us play, I was convinced when we got back and put Nykesha in the mix, ‘Man, it’s going to be hard to beat this. We just have a lot,'” Auriemma said.
The Game That Defined a Rivalry
One date loomed large on the Huskies’ calendar: Jan. 16. ESPN had brokered a matchup between UConn and Tennessee, a game that would become one of the most significant in women’s basketball history. Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt agreed to the challenge, understanding the importance of growing the game.
The Huskies were ready. “The practice the day before, I think it lasted like 45 minutes or something. I had to stop. It was just ruthless. Those guys were so ready to play. It was unbelievable,” Auriemma recalled.
When the game finally arrived, UConn took a 41-33 lead at halftime and never looked back. The victory was a testament to the team’s preparation and determination. “That game probably just put in our minds, ‘We can play with anybody. We can beat anyone in the country,'” said Carla Berube, a UConn forward at the time.
The Road to the Championship
UConn’s journey to the national championship was marked by confidence and resilience. They won their first three NCAA tournament games by an average of 35.7 points, and their victory over Virginia in the regional final was a turning point. “Jen and Jamelle came in [to the locker room], and they were like, ‘Come on, let’s go! We’re going to kick their asses in the second half. We are not losing this game!'” Lobo recalled.
In the national semifinals, UConn faced Stanford, a team they had never beaten before. But the Huskies were unfazed, winning 87-60 and setting the stage for a rematch with Tennessee in the championship game.
The final was a hard-fought battle, with UConn overcoming foul trouble and a halftime deficit to secure a 70-64 victory. Lobo’s performance was instrumental, and her celebration with arms raised in triumph became an iconic image.
A Legacy That Endures
Back at the team’s hotel, the celebration continued. Auriemma and the players watched a VHS tape of the game, reliving the moments that had led them to victory. “That’s probably when it really hit me,” Auriemma said. “And then I heard a thump and open the door. There’s the paper, back when they used to give the newspaper at a hotel. I am sitting there reading [about the victory] in USA Today. And I go, ‘Yeah, I was there.'”
The impact of UConn’s 1995 championship run was profound. It marked the beginning of a dynasty, with the Huskies going on to win 10 more national titles. For Lobo, the experience was life-changing. “I understand the perfect storm of all the factors that came into play,” she said. “But I do sort of believe in the fate part of it.”
As the team returned to Connecticut, they were greeted by thousands of fans, a testament to the impact they had made. “We land at Bradley Airport, and there’s thousands of people there on the other side of the chain-link fence,” Lobo recalled. “We couldn’t help but joke it was reminiscent of the summer in 1994 and the O.J. Bronco chase.”
For Auriemma and the Huskies, the journey was just beginning. They had crossed over into superpower territory, and the expectations were higher than ever. But the legacy of that 1995 team endures, a testament to the power of determination, teamwork, and the belief that anything is possible.
Originally Written by: Alexa Philippou,Michael Voepel
