White House salute for champion University of Connecticut women’s basketball team

Obama lauds UConn women’s basketball team

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has welcomed the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team to the White House, saluting the squad’s national title and undefeated season.

The president, a former high school player and avid hoops fan who still plays pickup games, paid tribute Monday to coach Geno Auriemma (aw-ree-EH’-muh) and his club during a championship ceremony.

The Huskies dominated women’s college basketball this season, going 39-0 and beating opponents by an average of better than 30 points. They capped the season earlier this month in St. Louis with a 76-54 victory over Louisville. It was Connecticut’s sixth national college championship and third perfect season.