Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="VAUConnFan, post: 4952621, member: 501"] 1989, The Amana-Hawkeye Classic in Iowa City. Back when Coach Auriemma was looking to schedule better competition in developing his program, he reached out to Penn State Coach Rene Portland who flat out turned him down; did not think UConn was worthy of stepping on the court with Penn State; a slight that enraged Coach Auriemma. Undaunted, Coach Auriemma reached out to Coach Stringer at Iowa who immediately invited UConn to participate in the Amana-Hawkeye Classic. Ironically, before meeting Iowa in the Classic, UConn took the court against Penn State and won 93-84 in overtime. Understandably, the victory was gratifying to Coach Auriemma on many levels has never forgiven Coach Portland for the slight. UConn has never lost to Penn State in the Auriemma era. However, UConn in 1989 was no match for Iowa and was soundly beaten 81-49. The two teams played again the following year; same outcome, closer score. [/QUOTE]