Kingston, RI (Sports Network) - Tiffany Hayes scored 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds to lead the Connecticut Huskies as they defeated the Kentucky Wildcats, 80-65, in the Elite Eight of the 2012 NCAA Women's Tournament at the Thomas M. Ryan Center.

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis added 18 points for UConn (33-4), while Stefanie Dolson scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Bria Hartley also had 13 points and Kelly Faris netted 11 points.

Samarie Walker scored a team-high 14 points for Kentucky (28-7). Bria Goss scored 12 points and Kastine Evans had 10 points for the Wildcats.

The Huskies took a slight 41-39 lead into the intermission after they shot 51.9 percent from the field and converted 11-of-13 at the charity stripe in the opening period. Kentucky made only 36.7 percent of its field goal attempts, but stayed close by knocking down 14-of-14 at the foul line in the first half.

UConn went on a 21-4 run in the second frame to take control. The Huskies shot 50 percent from the field and managed to make 19-of-22 of their attempts at the free throw line the second half, while the Wildcats shot only 25.8 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes.

The Huskies held a 40-26 advantage in the rebounding battle and assisted 21 of their 23 made field goals. UConn will play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Final Four.

03/27 23:15:15 ET