Storrs, Conn. ? Connecticut and Tennessee, the top two programs in women’s college basketball, are ending their annual series.

Connecticut had signed a contract to extend the annual game through the 2008-09 season, but Tennessee terminated the deal.

“We have chosen to not continue the series,” Tennessee women’s athletic director Joan Cronan said Friday.

She declined to comment on reasons for the decision.

“We are disappointed for UConn fans, Tennessee fans and women’s basketball fans in general who look forward to this annual event featuring the greatest women’s basketball rivalry in the nation, as recently selected by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association,” UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway said in a written statement.

The games always have featured some of the nation’s best players, such as Rebecca Lobo, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi for Connecticut and Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings and Nikki McCray for Tennessee.