1/1 Connecticut Huskies (0-0)

Results: Connecticut 98, Vanguard 68
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (33p, 8r, 1a, 4s, 2b, 31m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (4dr, 4s, 2b, 31m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (9p, 3r, 5a, 1s, 3b, 27m)
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 38, Vanguard 37

Summary: The Huskies made quick hast of Vanguard jumping out to a 14-0 lead with only 4 minutes gone by on its way to a 98-68 victory over Vanguard. Once again they were led by All-Americans Moore and Charles who finished with 33/8 and 16/11, respectively. Tonight Dixon got off to a much better start, but was derailed by a strained hamstring while going up for a fast break lay-up. She did not return to the game and is listed as questionable for this Saturday's game against Northeastern. The guards shot much better this game and combined UConn hit 15-34 3-pt shots.  Hayes rebounded from a poor outing last exhibition game to finish with 15p, 3a, and 3s, but had 6 turnovers as she took over point guard duties for most of the remainder of the game after Dixon's injury. She looks good running the point and has a decent handle, however it is clear she needs much more experience 1. learning how to get the ball to players in their sweet spots, 2. picking and choosing when to thread the needle, drive to the rim, or shoot the ball, and 3. being a vocal leader. On defense, Vanguard kept the Huskies on their heels with their ability to shoot quickly and penetrate using a jap-step. Many times the Lions were able to beat their perimeter defenders off the dribble and get to the rim or pull up for a short jumper (For once, UConn could really learn something from an opponent on offense since it is a very effective offense weapon--hint, hint KG). Coach Auriemma will surely point that out during film session and firmly voice his displeasure. Overall, another day at the office for the Huskies. It was nice to see Maya being so offensively selfish as well as getting to the FT line. Clearly, Geno proved in these two exhibition games that she and the rest of the first 7 will be counted on a lot this season to play a ton of minutes even against lesser opponents. It will be important for players like Gardler and McLaren (and eventually Buck) to give it their all every second they're on the court and hopefully they can crack into the normal rotation instead of playing just breather/garbage minutes.