SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A month into the season Connecticut doesn't look quite as vulnerable as many people thought. Not after beating No. 2 Notre Dame. Not after winning its 83rd straight game.

Two days after narrowly earning the top-ranking in the Associated Press poll, the Huskies secured that title on the court with a comfortable 72-61 victory over the Fighting Irish on Wednesday night, their third straight victory over a ranked team.

Coach Geno Auriemma said the Huskies (8-0) wouldn't know their winning streak stretched to more than two years if not for the media.

“I would think if this was the first time our program had ever been here, we'd be acting a little bit different. You don't want to sound like you don't appreciate it — but we did win 90 in a row,” Auriemma said.

Napheesa Collier scored 14 of her 20 points in the second half after playing just nine minutes in the first half because of foul trouble, Gabby Williams had 19 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, and Katie Lou Samuelson added 18 points to pace the Huskies.

The Huskies trailed for about two minutes late in the second quarter, but led most of the game as they controlled the inside, outscoring the Irish 42-30 in the paint and finishing with a 35-32 edge in rebounding.

Brianna Turner led the Irish (8-1) with 16 points and 12 rebounds.