WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is wishing congratulations to the Connecticut women's basketball team its perfect national championship season.

Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama called coach Geno Auriemma (aw-ree-EH'-muh) and the president told him he looks forward to welcoming the team to the White House for a ceremony.

The Huskies went 39-0, capping a dominant season with a 76-54 victory against Louisville in the NCAA tournament final.

In the same phone call, Obama spoke with star player Tina Charles, who scored 25 points and went 11-for-13 from the floor in the championship game.

Gibbs said the president praised Charles for a great game but kidded her about what happened on the two shots she missed.