Indianapolis — As Breanna Stewart conducted a postgame interview Sunday night, her mind was already focused on the final hurdle top-ranked UConn needed to clear during its championship quest.

Stewart still had no idea who the Huskies would be playing, but that did not stop her from saying that they were going to win the game.

Her proclamation had nothing to do with cockiness, but everything to do with the confidence that Stewart has in herself and her teammates. Together, they will attempt to become the first Division I women's basketball team in NCAA history to win four straight national championships Tuesday night (8:30, ESPN) when UConn plays Syracuse in the national championship game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

"When this is the moment that we have prepared for, I'm not going to go and say that we're going to lose," Stewart said. "Everyone knows that we want to win this national championship for a number of reasons. I believe we're going to win."

UConn (37-0) also won three straight national titles from 2002-04, losing in the Sweet 16 in 2005. Tennessee won three straight from 1996-98 before losing in the regional final in 1999.

UConn could also claim its record 11th national title. That would vault Geno Auriemma ahead of legendary men's coach John Wooden for the most titles by any men's or women's Division I basketball coach.

Despite all that is at stake, UConn senior Moriah Jefferson had no problem with Stewart speaking her mind regarding tonight's game.

"You embrace it," Jefferson said. "You come to Connecticut and everyone else is saying it. So once we say it, it's like a big deal, 'Oh you believe the hype.' But it's not like that. It's like we believe we're very confident in our ability to play."

This will be the final time that Jefferson, Stewart and Morgan Tuck play together as UConn teammates. Jefferson and Stewart are graduating. Tuck, who has one year of eligibility remaining, is expected to announce a decision on her future following the game.

Not only are they looking for a national championship grand slam, they can become the winningest recruiting class in NCAA history. Jefferson, Stewart and Tuck (150-5) are currently tied with former Huskies Lorin Dixon and Maya Moore (150-4, 2007-11).

"I think the senior class has done so much for this team, for this program and just for women's basketball in general," UConn sophomore Gabby Williams said. "The things that those three have done no one else has ever done before. There's never been a trio like that. And I think they need to go out the right way.''

Williams will make her 12th start of the season in place of Katie Lou Samuelson, who broke the third metatarsal in her left foot elevating for a layup 39 seconds into Sunday's game against Oregon State. She played 17 minutes in the first half before learning the extent of her injury at halftime. It is unclear right now whether or not she will require surgery.

Williams, who started the season's first seven games, is averaging 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.7 steals with three double-doubles in a starting role.

"I'm not going to be able to do the things that Katie Lou does, but I know the things that I'm good at and the situation that we're in," Williams said, "so I'm not going to change anything about my game."

Syracuse (30-7), appearing in its first final, is ranked fourth nationally in made 3-pointers (332) and 10th in 3-pointers made per game (9.0).

The Orange set Final Four records by making 12 3-pointers and attempting 33 in their semifinal win over Washington. They are averaging 9.6 made 3-pointers on 28.6 attempts in the NCAA tournament, setting a tournament record for 3-point attempts and moving seven shy of breaking UConn's record of 54 made 3-pointers set last season.

Senior guard Brianna Butler has set a Division I record with 128 3-pointers this season.

"I think defensively guarding the 3 becomes the most important thing you have to do and the hardest thing you have to do," Auriemma said. "And right now those guys are on a roll. And they're shooting it with a lot of confidence. We'll have to figure out a way to minimize that."

The Huskies have won 23 straight games against Syracuse dating back to a 62-59 loss at Manley Fieldhouse Jan. 2, 1996. But they haven't played since the Big East tournament semifinals at the XL Center March 11, 2013.

"I think the teams get overwhelmed with their speed and quickness and their strength," Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman said. "It's an overwhelming thing because they're very good, but at least we understand that because we've seen it and we've experienced it."

The Huskies, meanwhile, stand 40 minutes away from basketball immortality.

"We know obviously that everybody on the team hasn't been here for all four of the (national championships), but I think everyone feels like they are a part of history if we do it," Tuck said. "We can't think about the past years. We have to think about this year. If we do it then we can think about the greatness we have been able to do."