(photo courtesy Notre Dame Athletics)

(Storrs)  — Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team won three straight games by double digits against Connecticut.

The Huskies got payback Monday.

Geno Auriemma’s top-ranked Huskies broke open a close game in the second half, and embarrassed the Irish, 85-47, here at Gampel Pavilion.

The Huskies completely stifled the Irish offense, holding Notre Dame to 37% shooting overall, and a meager 1-16 from three-point range. Connecticut was also the more physical team, outrebounding Notre Dame, 39-24.

Meanwhile, UConn put on an offensive clinic, shooting 56% and collecting 22 assists on 35 field goals.  All five Huskie starters scored in double figures.

Player of the Year candidate Azzi Fudd sparked the Huskies to an 11-1 start. The lead grew to as much as 14 in the second quarter, but Hannah Hidalgo scored 10 of her team-high 16 in the second quarter as Notre Dame narrowed the gap to 32-23 at halftime.

UConn removed all doubt, opening the second half on an 18-2 run and never looked back. Sarah Strong’s double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds) led the Huskie attack.  Fudd finished with 15.

Besides Hidalgo, Cass Prosper was the only other Notre Dame player in double figures with 12. However, the duo was held to 11-of-30 shooting by an oppressive Huskie defense.

Connecticut is now 19-0 and has won its last 13 games by 26 points or more. Notre Dame falls to 12-6, having lost four of its last six. Niele Ivey’s squad returns home to face Miami Thursday night at 6.