A few quick tidbits as we start pushing through our spring sports preview special section …

The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team rolled past Notre Dame 63-53 on Tuesday night to win its third consecutive national championship. Coach Geno Auriemma tied a college basketball record with his 10th national title — the late John Wooden also won 10 titles with the UCLA men in the 1960s and 70s.

It’s been quite a transformation for the UConn women since the polarizing Auriemma rode into Storrs in 1985.

Prior to his arrival, UConn had just one winning season. The Huskies then went 12-15 in Auriemma’s first season, but that would be the last time his team would finish under .500.

Auriemma has accumulated more than 900 victories and guided the team to five undefeated seasons. That, folks, is impressive.

He told ESPN on Tuesday, “I’ll be the first to say, I’m not John Wooden.”

No, he isn’t, but his place is secure on the list of greatest coaches — men or women — in college basketball history.

• Now that we are (mercifully) through the college basketball season, it’s time to shift the focus to the Frozen Four.

Boston University, Providence, Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota will decide the Division I men’s hockey title this week in Beantown.

The Terriers and North Dakota will play Thursday night at 8 in the marquee national semifinal. Providence, led by South Portland goalie Jon Gillies, will play the Mavericks in the early game, at 5 p.m.

The winners will play for the title Saturday night.

The guess here is that Jack Eichel —the favorite to win the Hobey Baker this season — and BU get it done in their backyard.

• Speaking of the spring sports preview section, the cover this year will feature two of the top central Maine pitchers — one for baseball and another for softball — who are poised for shut-down seasons.

Any guesses on who they are?

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