CHICAGO -- With its school-record 17th consecutive victory, 77-49 over New York University, the eighth-ranked University of Chicago women's basketball team captured the University Athletic Association championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament Sunday at the Ratner Athletics Center.

Joann Torres led the Maroons with a career-high 14 points, while Meghan Herrick added 13 as Chicago improved to 20-3 overall and 13-0 in UAA play.

Torres buried a pair of three-pointers in the game's first six minutes as the Maroons built an early 17-6 lead. Chicago opened up a 45-21 halftime advantage and remained on top by at least 26 points throughout the second period.

Torres, who also grabbed six rebounds, was perfect on four 3-point attempts as the Maroons finished the day 12-of-21 from behind the arc.

Bryanne Halfhill hit two three-point shots to bring her season total to 52, matching the school record.

Eleven different players scored as Chicago finished the regular season undefeated (11-0) at the Ratner Center.

Kelly Loughney and Cara Bonito paced NYU (12-12, 6-7) with 14 points each.

Chicago's UAA title marks its second in the past four years. After wrapping up the regular season next Saturday at Washington (Mo.) University, the Maroons will begin NCAA tournament play Friday, Mar. 4. The NCAA will announce the championship bracket Monday, Feb. 28.