Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 25/24 St. John's Red Storm (20-4, 8-3 BE).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 5:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 4pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: Gametracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (24-0, 11-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 95, DePaul 62
Player of the Game: So. G Tiffany Hayes (19p, 2r, 2a, 2s, 26m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (2dr, 4s, 2b, 26m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (3p, 4r, 4a, 4s, 2b, 26m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. Off TO's: UConn 37, DePaul 13

Summary: Still to come...

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at ARV DePaul Blue Demons (16-8, 5-5 BE).

Location: McGrath Arena (Chicago, IL)
Time: 8:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 7pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: N/A

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (23-0, 10-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 84, Louisville 38
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (16p, 8r, 3a, 3s, 5b, 25m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (6dr, 3s, 5b, 25m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (7p, 8r, 1a, 3s, 25m)
Stat of the Game: Blocks: UConn 12, Louisville 2

Summary: Still to come...

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Louisville Cardinals (11-11, 3-6 BE).

Location: Freedom Hall (Louisville, KY)
Time: 12:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPNU
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: ESPN360
Live Stats: Gametracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (22-0, 9-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 80, West Virginia 47
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (15p, 14r, 3a, 2s, 1b, 30m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (10dr, 2s, 1b, 30m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (9p, 2r, 4a, 2s, 24m)
Stat of the Game: Bench: UConn 24, WVU 5

Summary: Still to come...

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 11/8 West Virginia Mountaineers (20-2, 7-1 BE).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: Gametracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (21-0, 8-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 98, Pittsburgh 56
Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (24p, 9r, 3a, 3b, 27m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (5dr, 3b, 27m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (4p, 5r, 3a, 1s, 20m)
Stat of the Game: FT's: UConn 23-28, Pittsburgh 7-9

Summary: For a team that had only a 1-5 record in the Big East, Pittsburgh put up the points in the first half to maybe hang with UConn by scoring 32pts. Unfortunately for Pitt, UConn scored 57pts. in the first half. Once again, the Huskies had its starters on the bench by the 12min. mark in the second half and yet they still ended up pounding the Panthers, 98-56. Coming in only 17pts. from the 2,000-pt. milestone, All-American Tina Charles reached the mark with 5mins. still to go in the first half on an offensive rebound-putback. She finished the game with 24p/9r/3a/3b in 27mins. Fellow All-American W Maya Moore finished with 22p/7r and tied a career-high with 8asts. in 26mins. Charles becomes the 6th player in UConn history to reach the 2000-pt. plateau. Congratulations, Tina Baby!!!

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Pittsburgh Panthers (12-7, 1-5 BE).

Location: Petersen Events Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
Time: 2:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 1pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: Gametracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (20-0, 7-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 73, Rutgers 36
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (19p, 10r, 4a, 3s, 2b, 32m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (8dr, 3s, 2b, 32m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (5p, 3r, 2a, 1s, 21m)
Stat of the Game: Fouls: UConn 11, Rutgers 40 19

Summary: It took a few timeouts for the Huskies to get used to the officials letting almost EVERY foul go uncalled, but when they finally adjusted, it was a blowout by halftime. Led by All-American Maya Moore and Kalana Greene, UConn withstood very whistle-shy officials to more than doubled-up Rutgers in a 73-36 victory. I have never seen so many blatant fouls not get called in one game, especially a UConn-Rutgers match-up. Numerous times Moore and Tina Charles missed lay-ups due to a foul and even had a few made buckets that should have been "And Ones". UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma decided to rest G Caroline Doty and replaced her with freshman G Kelly Faris who turned up the heat quite nicely on defense. The UConn backcourt combined to hold Rutgers' leading scorer Sr. G Brittany Ray to just 3pts. on 1-11 FG shooting (0-5 from 3 and 1-2 from the FT line).

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. ARV Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-7, 4-1 BE).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CBS College Sports
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: N/A
Live Stats: Gametracker

UConn All-American Jr. W Maya Moore was named Big East Player of the Week for the second time this season and fourth time in her career today after averaging 22.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 4.0apg on 16-26 FG from the field and 9-13 FG from 3 while helping UConn to a 2-0 road record and a 33-pt blowout win over #6/7 Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium. (Of note, this is the 5th straight week a UConn player has won the BE POW award...that must be a record!!)

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (19-0, 6-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 74, Villanova 35
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (24p, 8r, 4a, 23m)
Defensive Player of the Game: So. G Caroline Doty (3dr, 2s, 28m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (4p, 1r, 18m)
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 44, Villanova 21

Summary: It was same old, same old against those Villanova Perretta Wildcats. More walking the ball up and draining the shot clock, but with such a young squad they didn't stand a chance against the Machine Huskies. Led by the lights-out shooting of All-American W Maya Moore, UConn blew the game wide open as they held Villanova without a single point for almost 9mins. and easily won 74-35. Moore finished with 24p/8r/4a in 23mins on 10-14FG shooting and 3-4 shooting from 3. Native Philly-girl and UConn Sr. F Meghan Gardler made her first career start in front of her hometown family and friends and finished with 6p/3r/1s in 24mins. Fellow native Philly-girl G Caroline Doty made her debut in front of her hometown family and friends, and even though she struggled shooting the ball (1-8FG shooting), she did a bunch of other things to make the trip a success finishing with 3p/4r/6a/2s in 28mins.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Villanova Wildcats (10-6, 0-4 BE).

Location: The Pavilion (Villanova, PA)
Time: 2:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 1pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: Gametracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (18-0, 5-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 81, Duke 48
Player of the Game: RSr. W Kalana Greene (18p, 2r, 4a, 1s, 1b, 30m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (11dr, 1b, 31m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. C Allison Vernerey (Duke) (4p, 3r, 18m)
Stat of the Game: 3-pt. FGs: UConn 13/25, Duke 3/12

Summary: Well Duke hung tough the longest, but in the end UConn just shot the ball way to well for Duke's defense to keep them in it until the end. The Huskies hit more 3's (13) than in their last three games combined (9 total) as they won going away at Cameron Indoor against the #6/7 Blue Devils, 81-48. It was another blowout over a Top 10 team lead by the entire UConn starting 5, who all scored in double figures. Even with All-Americans Tina Charles and Maya Moore only combining for 12pts. and Moore on the bench in foul trouble in the 1st half, they still led 38-28 thanks to Kalana Greene who finished with 18p/2r/4a/1s/1b in 30mins. UConn's starting backcourt of Tiffany Hayes and Caroline Doty also stepped up big and each hitting three 3's and finishing with 13pts. and combining for 7asts. Kaili McLaren and Lorin Dixon gave them solid minutes off the bench as well. Dixon finished the game on the floor with an "and one" three plus the made FT. Overall, Head Coach Geno Auriemma was very pleased with his team's performance especially their response to his halftime speech challenges. The best win this season (IMO)!!!

The most dreaded three letters in all of basketball...

A-C-L

...has struck once again. This time (for the second time) to UConn recruit, Montini Catholic High's 6'3 Sr. F Michala Johnson. Johnson will have surgery the second week in February on her torn ACL and minorly damaged meniscus in her right knee. Johnson missed most of her junior season after tearing her ACL in her left knee. Good luck, Michala on a healthy and complete recovery!!

UConn All-American Sr. C Tina Charles was named Big East Player of the Week for the third straight week and fourth time this season after averaging 23ppg and 12rpg on 17-26FG shooting from the floor 12-14FT shooting from the line while helping UConn to a 2-0 week in the Big East and leading the way for UConn with 23pts. and 13rebs. in the first-ever women's ESPN College GameDay win over previously unbeaten, #3 Notre Dame.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at 6/7 Duke Blue Devils (15-2).

Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium (Durham, NC)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: ESPN360
Live Stats: N/A

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (17-0, 5-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 70, Notre Dame 46
Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (23p, 13r, 1a, 1b, 33m)
Defensive Player of the Game: RSr. W Kalana Greene (4dr, 3s, 1b, 31m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Skylar Diggins (ND) (6p, 1r, 2a, 5s, 34m)
Stat of the Game: Assists/FGs: UConn 19/27, Notre Dame 7/18

Summary: Yet another downer! UConn didn't take long to make this game another blowout over a Top 10 opponent as All-American Tina Charles dominated once again for the Huskies as they cruised to victory of the Irish, 70-46. Along with fellow All-American Maya Moore, Charles ended up with another double-double. Both players ended the game with 20-10 efforts; Charles finished with 23p/13r/1a/1b in 33mins and Moore finished with 20p/11r/3a/2b in 31mins. Of note, legendary ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale commentated his first-ever women's basketball game on this historic first-ever women's ESPN College GameDay (pretty cool stuff!!!). Will anyone (not named UConn) in the country please stand up? Maybe Duke? We'll see this Monday down in Cameron Indoor.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 3/3 Notre Dame Fightin' Irish (15-0, 2-0 BE).

Event: (First Ever Women's) ESPN College GameDay
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 9:00pm (ET)
TV: ESPN (College GameDay Show, 10am & 8pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: ESPN360
Live Stats: Gametracker

UConn officials announced today that Sr. All-American C Tina Charles will become the 2nd active and 12th overall Husky to be inducted into the Huskies of Honor on Saturday, Feb. 13th when UConn hosts St. John's at Gampel Pavilion.

“Tina’s a great kid who’s the kind of kid you want on your team,’’ UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma said. “She is a great teammate, a super human being who I always thought needed a little bit of a kick in the butt every single day at practice to reach her potential. And hopefully she understands and just by (her Huskies of Honor induction) indicates that whether it was the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do she’s going to get exactly what she came to Connecticut for. And she’s going to go down in history as maybe the leading scorer and the leading rebounder maybe in (team history). So if you ask me would I do it any different I would say, `No.’’’

Congratulations Tina!!! You worked very long and hard and you deserve it, girl!!!

The doors open at 7:30am tomorrow morning for history!!!

#1 UConn hosts #3 Notre Dame in the first-ever women's ESPN College GameDay and in a showdown of two highly-ranked unbeaten teams. Scheduled to appear as hosts for the live morning show from Storrs are ESPN personalities Rece Davis, Digger Phelps, Jay Bilas, Hubert Davis and Doris Burke. Admission and parking (in the South Garage adjacent to Gampel Pavilion) to this event will be free to all fans. The event will include contests, prizes, giveaways and entertainment for fans of all ages. In addition, the first 750 fans in attendance will receive a free GameDay t-shirt.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (16-0, 4-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 68, Marquette 43
Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (23p, 11r, 1a, 2s, 21m)
Defensive Player of the Game: So. G Caroline Doty (2dr, 5s, 31m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (5p, 3r, 1a, 1s, 1b, 21m)
Stat of the Game: Halftime: Tina Charles 20, Marquette 20

Summary: After playing there best game of the season, the Huskies followed up their magnificent performance against UNC with their worst performance of the season on the road against Marquette. All-American Tina Charles dominated once again scoring as many points as Marquette's entire team in the 1st half to led UConn to the rugged victory over the Golden Eagles, 68-43. UConn is now all alone in 2nd place in consecutive wins with 55-straight victories behind UConn's record 70-straight from 2001-03.

UConn's Dynamic Duo of All-Americans were named to the 2009-10 John Wooden Award Midseason Top 20 list today. Sr. C Tina Charles and last year's Wooden Award winner, Jr. W Maya Moore headline the list of 20 candidates who will vie for this year's prestigous award honoring the college basketball legend John R. Wooden. Players not on the midseason list are still eligible for consideration on the final ballot which will be released in mid-March.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Marquette Golden Eagles (11-5, 2-1 BE).

Location: Al McGuire Center (Milwaukee, WI)
Time: 8:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: Gametracker

Today the WNBA announced that the Connecticut Sun have traded G Lindsay Whalen and the #2 overall pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for G Renee Montgomery and the #1 overall pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft. Both players were the #4 overall pick in their respective drafts (Whalen - 2004 and Montgomery - 2009) as well as the star of their college teams for 4 years (Whalen - Minnesota and Montgomery - Connecticut). Seems like a win-win for all parties involved as well as fans in both states. Thank you Roger Griffin and Chris Sienko (aka Mike Thibault)!!!

Stay tuned!!!

HUGE WNBA Trade coming involving the CT Sun and Minn Lynx and the Top 2 picks in the 2010 draft at 3pm ET today...

Hint: I wouldn't be posting this if it didn't involve a UConn player (or two) ;)

UConn All-American Sr. C Tina Charles was named Big East Player of the Week for the second consecutive week and third time this season after averaging 18.7ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.0bpg on 25-35FG shooting from the floor while helping UConn to a 3-0 week and leading the way for UConn with 25pts. and 13rebs. in the dismantling of #7 North Carolina.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (15-0, 3-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 88, North Carolina 47
Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (25p, 13r, 1a, 1b, 28m)
Defensive Player of the Game: RSr. W Kalana Greene (8dr, 3s, 1b, 25m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (6p, 3r, 2a, 1s, 16m)
Stat of the Game: Halftime: Tina Charles 25, UNC 24

Summary: WOW! Yet again, this team never ceases to amaze. Tina Charles The Huskies Charles and Co. put on a clinic in the 1st half against #7 North Carolina and never looked back winning easily 88-47. All-American Tina Charles outscored the Tar Heels all by herself in the 1st half with 25pts. as the Huskies held UNC to 24pts. No one scored in double figures for one of the highest scoring teams in the country for the last decade in women's college basketball. Also, the Huskies superb defense held them under 50pts. for the 1st time since 2004. With their 54th-straight annihilation (all by 10pts. or more, btw), the Huskies are now one win away from sitting all alone in 2nd place for consecutive victories behind UConn's record 70-straight from 2001-03.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 7/7 North Carolina Tar Heels (13-1).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 4:00pm (ET)
TV: CBS
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: N/A
Live Stats: Gametracker

Good News:

UConn starting PG, So. G Tiffany Hayes is listed as probable for tomorrow's match-up with #7 UNC.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (14-0, 3-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 83, Cincinnati 51
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (25p, 8r, 4a, 2s, 2b, 28m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (4dr, 6b, 26m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (5p, 2r, 4a, 2s, 20m)
Stat of the Game: Blocks: UConn 11, Cincinnati 2

Summary: Former UConn Great Jamelle Elliott returned to Gampel for the first time on the opposing team as the Head Coach of Cincinnati and it was emotional for all. The crowd gave her a standing ovation and she cried. No one was tougher in the post than Jamelle and her team did not disappoint in that department. The Huskies fought off a tough-fighting Bearcats squad to win 83-51. They were led once again by All-Americans Tina Charles and Maya Moore, who combined to go 17 for 21 from the floor and score 42pts. Tiffany Hayes left the game about 3mins. in after suffering a left ankle sprain and did not return. Word from UConn is that she was held out for the remainder of the game for precautionary reasons and is listed as questionable for Saturday's CBS showdown against 7th-ranked North Carolina.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (7-6, 0-1 BE).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:30pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 7pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: Gametracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (13-0, 2-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 84, South Florida 42
Player of the Game: So. G Tiffany Hayes (22p, 2r, 3a, 1s, 28m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (6dr, 4s, 1b, 28m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. C Heather Buck (6p, 4r, 1s, 1b, 8m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. Off TOs: UConn 27, South Florida 11

Summary: After a very sloppy and foul-plagued first half which lead to only a 14-pt. lead, UConn turned it up a few knoches to blowout South Florida and win 84-42. Led by Tiffany Hayes' lights out shooting, the Huskies showed not even poor officiating and foul trouble for their two All-Americans can keep an opponent in the game. Hayes finished with 22p/2r/3a/1s in 28mins. and broke out of her 3-pt. shooting slump to go 5 for 9 from deep. Tina Charles, who was scoreless in the first half, woke up at halftime to score all 14 of her pts. and even played all 20mins. in the second half for the 1st time in her career.

UConn All-American Sr. C Tina Charles was named Big East Player of the Week for the second time this season today after averaging 21.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg while shooting 62.5% from the field, and helping UConn to 2-0 record last week including a 78-59 road victory over 12/11 Florida State and a 91-24 road victory against Seton Hall in their Big East season opener.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. South Florida Bulls (9-4, 0-0 BE).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: Gametracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (12-0, 1-0 BE)

Results: Connecticut 91, Seton Hall 24
Player of the Game: Jr. PG Lorin Dixon (6p, 3r, 6a, 3s, 21m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. F Meghan Gardler (6dr, 1s, 1b, 23m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (0p, 2r, 1a, 2s, 17m)
Stat of the Game: Pts.in the Paint: UConn 50, FSU 2

Summary: To say UConn opened Big East play with a bang might be the understatement of the (new) decade. They annihilated Seton Hall only allowing the Pirates to score a whopping 12pts. each half for a very easy 91-24 win. UConn All-Americans Tina Charles and Maya Moore did their thing as UConn coasted to victory. The UConn bench was outstanding today led by Lorin Dixon 6p/3r/6a/3s in 21mins. and Meghan Gardler who finished with a career-high 16pts. and 6r/2a/1s/1b in 23mins.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Seton Hall Pirates (8-5, 0-0 BE).

Location: Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)
Time: 2:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 1pm)
Radio: WTIC 96.5 FM
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: N/A

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (11-0)

Results: Connecticut 78, Florida State 59
Player of the Game: So. G Caroline Doty (10p, 4r, 7a, 4s, 1b, 33m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (7dr, 1s, 1b, 38m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (4p, 4r, 1s, 13m)
Stat of the Game: Pts.in the Paint: UConn 46, FSU 20

Summary: Florida State gave it a nice try, but again UConn woke up at halftime and brought the hammer down. All-American Tina Charles turned it on in the 2nd half scoring 16 of her 24 points and it was lights out for the Seminoles as UConn pulled away for a 78-59 victory. Caroline Doty rebounded from a forgettable performance last time out against Stanford with a phenomenal all-around effort finishing with 10p/4r/7a/4s/1b in 33mins.

UConn All-American Jr. W Maya Moore was named Big East Player of the Week for the first time this season today after leading UConn in scoring with 23pts. and adding 9r/4a/2b in the Huskies 80-68 victory of 2/2 Stanford.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at 12/11 Florida State Seminoles (11-1).

Location: Tucker Civic Center (Tallahassee, FL)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: GameTracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (10-0)

Results: Connecticut 80, Stanford 68
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (23p, 9r, 4a, 2b, 34m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (7dr, 1s, 1b, 38m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (2p, 2r, 4s, 23m)
Stat of the Game: 2nd Chance Pts.: UConn 25, Stanford 8

Summary: UConn showed the country (and Carolyn Peck) who's still boss today after turning up the heat in the 2nd half and running away with the win against #2 Stanford. UConn All-Americans Tina Charles and Maya Moore led the way as UConn used suffocating defense in the 2nd half to pull away and defeat the Cardinal, 80-68.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 2/2 Stanford Cardinal (9-0).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 5:30pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2 (College Basketball Scoreboard Show, 5pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: ESPN360
Live Stats: GameTracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (9-0)

Results: Connecticut 90, Iona 35
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (23p, 5r, 3a, 2s, 1b, 24m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. F Meghan Gardler (4dr, 2s, 26m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (5p, 4r, 4a, 1s, 21m)
Stat of the Game: Turnovers: UConn 14, Iona 34

Summary: My first game in Gampel in a few years and the Huskies did not disappoint. They made quick haste of Iona and never looked backed as UConn pressured the Gaels into 34 turnovers and easily won 90-35. Meghan Gardler played an awesome game and was a perfect 6-6 from the floor finishing (even ending up there after a hard foul at the end of the game) with 14p/6r/1a/2s in 26mins.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Iona Gaels (3-6).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 6:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 5pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: GameTracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (8-0)

Results: Connecticut 80, Hartford 45
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (22p, 8r, 6a, 4s, 1b, 25m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (3dr, 4s, 1b, 25m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (4p, 6r, 2a, 1s, 2b, 19m)
Stat of the Game: Rebounds: UConn 42, Hartford 24

Summary: New year, new players, same result: a Connecticut victory annihilation of Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut. UConn All-American Maya Moore once again led the way for the Huskies as they downed the Hawks, 80-45.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Hartford Hawks (6-1).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 6pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: GameTracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (7-0)

Results: Connecticut 84, Vermont 42
Player of the Game: So. G Tiffany Hayes (9p, 3r, 6a, 1s, 1b, 24m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (7dr, 1s, 1b, 24m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (7p, 3r, 4a, 2s, 1b, 22m)
Stat of the Game: FG shooting: UConn 59.0%, Vermont 31.5%

Summary: In what was supposed to be a competitive game, turned into just another blowout. Tiffany Hayes did a little bit of everything finishing with 9p/3r/6a/1s/1b in 24mins. as UConn defeated Vermont, 84-42. All-Americans Maya Moore and Tina Charles dominated the post yet again (I feel I will be saying this a lot this season) finishing with 20p/3r/3a/2s in 26mins. and 18p/9r/3a/1s/1b in 24mins., respectively. With her 9rebs., Charles moved her into second place on the school's all-time list behind Rebecca Lobo (1,059 career rebs). Overall, the Huskies played some great on the ball defense and help team defense forcing Vermont into 20 turnovers and getting 29pts. off those turnovers.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Vermont Catamounts (4-0).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:30pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: GameTracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (6-0)

Results: Connecticut 87, Clemson 48
Player of the Game: RSr. W Kalana Greene (28p, 8r, 4s, 1b, 28m)
Defensive Player of the Game: RSr. W Kalana Greene (6dr, 4s, 1b, 28m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (7r, 5a, 33m)
Stat of the Game: Fastbreak Pts.: UConn 26, Clemson 4

2009 WBCA Classic Champions!!!

2009 WBCA Classic MVP:
Sr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut

2009 WBCA Classic All-Tournament Team:
Sr. G LeLe Hardy, Clemson
RSr. W Kalana Greene, Connecticut
So. G Tiffany Hayes, Connecticut
Jr. W Maya Moore, Connecticut
Jr. G Brittani Shells, Richmond

Summary: Well I guess a 39-pt win, is a 39-pt win, no matter how ugly. Today was easily UConn's worse game of the season. If it wasn't for a career game from Kalana Greene, who finished with a career-high 28pts. and 8r/4s/1b in 28mins. then I don't even want to know what the score might have been. After shooting lights out against Richmond, UConn couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from deep in their 87-48 victory over the Tigers. Aside from Greene's 2-2 from three, everyone else on the team was 0-for-13 from three. Somehow, they still managed to finish 54% from the field overall for the game thanks to a LOT of made lay-ups of many of the 15 steals. All-Americans Tina Charles and Maya Moore dominated inside ending with 20p/9r/1a/3b in 27mins. and 19p/4r/3a/5s/2b in 30mins., respectively. Geno rested Caroline Doty for much of the game as to not push her too hard coming off her ACL recovery and not feeling well. No one else on the team scored more than 6pts. and freshman Kelly Faris may have had the best game ever by a UConn player who didn't score a point in the same game as she went 0-for-8 but finished with 7r/5a and only one turnover in a career-high 33mins. Overall, Geno will find enough to complain about and the Huskies didn't help their cause by playing the worst in the final game of the weekend which no doubt will be the impression left fresh in his mind when practice resumes on Tuesday. As for the entire weekend, UConn pounded the less than stellar competition as expected and many players got a lot of playing time especially the freshmen. It was a good experience to see how the team could handle 3 games in 3 days which is just like the Big East Tournament with a 2-day bye.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Clemson Tigers (4-2).

Event: WBCA Classic
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 4:30pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: GameTracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (5-0)

Results: Connecticut 86, Richmond 37
Player of the Game: So. G Tiffany Hayes (15p, 5r, 7a, 30m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Fr. C Heather Buck (1dr, 1s, 3b, 11m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (12p, 5r, 1a, 2s, 23m)
Stat of the Game: FT's: UConn 7-11, Richmond 0-0

Summary: It was raining three's in Gampel tonight as the Huskies hit a UConn record 10 three's in the first half last night led by Caroline Doty, who was 5-7 from deep finishing with 17p/3r/3a/1s in 29mins. UConn only committed for 4 fouls the entire game which led to no free throws for Richmond in the 86-37 victory. Tiffany Hayes had the best game of her sophomore season doing a little bit of everything as she finished with 15p/7r and a career-high 7asts. with no turnovers in 30mins. UConn All-Americans Tina Charles and Maya Moore weren't needed much and as a result both had quiet evenings finishing with 13p/5r/2a/1b in 18mins and 11p/6r/3a/2s in 29mins., respectively. Freshman Kelly Faris also had the best game of her early career coming off the bench to end up with a career-high 12pts. to go along with 5r/1a/2s in 23mins. Kaili McLaren continues to impress everyone with her passing ability. She's often so good her teammates are even expecting the beautiful feed, however, did finish the game with 4a with no turnovers and 4p/2r/1s/1b in a season-high 22mins. Overall, it was another day at the office for the UConn women imposing their intensity and will on the Spiders defensively while also shooting lights out from the floor and deep. Their one area of weakness continues to be free throw shooting. They finished 7-11 from the line for 64% and are only 73% for the season.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Richmond Spiders (4-1).

Event: WBCA Classic
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:30pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: GameTracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (4-0)

Results: Connecticut 91, Hofstra 46

Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (23p, 8r, 4a, 5s, 1b, 30m)

Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (5dr, 5s, 1b, 30m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (2p, 9r, 3a, 4s, 25m)
Stat of the Game: Steals: UConn 22, Hofstra 14

Summary: Congratulations Geno, on win #700!!! Once again, All-Everything Maya Moore led the charge as UConn fought off a fiesty Hofstra team finishing with 23p/8r/4a/5s/1b in 30mins. Caroline Doty chipped in with 9p and a career high 9a as the Huskies won going away, 91-46. Wo! sloppy, sloppy ball game (on both sides of the court). UConn forced Hofstra into a whopping 32 turnovers on 22 steals, but turned the ball over 23 times themselves. All-American Tina Charles dominated in the middle even though she was often double- or triple-teamed finishing with 17p/8r/1a/2s/2b in 23mins. Kalana Greene woke up after halftime scoring 12 of her 14pts. with 6 coming in the first 2mins. of the 2nd half. Overall, the game was poorly officiated which led to 36 fouls and 55 turnovers combined with many fouls not having been fouls and many turnovers resulting from no-calls. Tiffany Hayes, in particular, spent much of the game on the floor after being bumped with no call and turning the ball over as a result.  Seven of the 9 Huskies who played meaningful minutes finished the game with 3 turnovers each (KG had 4). After the game, Geno wasn't too pleased about the sloppiness, but it was easily forgotten (at least until practice next week) as the Huskies put on a little celebration in tribute to their favorite coach's 700th victory. They performed a little Mastercard "priceless" skit with posters as well as wore the student section's Geno Face t-shirts with "Congrats 700" spelled out on the back of all 11 players (then messed up his perfect hair!!).

USA Basketball Gold Medalist and UConn All-American Sr. C Tina Charles was named the 2009 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year today by USA Basketball. Charles was the USA's leading scorer and rebounder while helping the 2009 USA Women's World University Games Team capture a perfect record and gold medal July 2-11 in Belgrade, Serbia. She returned to the red, white and blue two months later for the 2009 USA Women's National Team training Sept. 20-Oct. 6 in Washington, D.C. Following training camp, she averaged team second-bests for points and rebounds as the only collegiate athlete on the USA Women's National Team that rolled to three straight wins and a gold medal in the 2009 Ekaterinburg International Invitational, Oct. 9-11 in Russia. Overall, Charles spent 39 days in 2009 training or competing with a USA Basketball team. USA Basketball will nominate Charles for the U.S. Olympic Committee's 2010 SportsWoman of the Year, which is expected to be announced in January of 2010. She becomes only the 2nd Husky to be honored as former UConn Great Diana Taurasi was honored in 2006.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Hofstra Pride (3-0).

Event: WBCA Classic
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:30pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: GameTracker

UConn All-American Sr. C Tina Charles was named Big East Player of the Week for the first time in her career today after averaging 19.7 ppg, 11.0 rpg while shooting 56.1% from the field, and helping UConn to 3-0 record last week including a 25-pt. victory over 10/13th ranked Texas. Last week, Charles also became only the third player in UConn history to reach 1,000-career rebounds after pulling down her 5th rebound in UConn's home opener against Northeastern.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (3-0)

Results: Connecticut 87, Holy Cross 34
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (21p, 7r, 4a, 4s, 23m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (9dr, 2s, 3b, 21m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (4p, 2r, 4a, 1s, 17m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 54, Holy Cross 4

Summary: UConn game out of the gates a little slow, playing down to the level of competition until All-American Maya Moore decided enough was enough scoring 13pts. on her own in a 3min, 13sec stretch to extend the Huskies' 11-pt lead out to 23. Moore would finish the game with 21p/7r/4a/4s in 23mins as UConn easily beat Holy Cross 87-34. The entire bench played in the first half and head coach Geno Auriemma pulled his starters by the 1st timeout of the 2nd half. Caroline Doty and Tina Charles were also stellar, attacking Holy Cross from the inside and out while finishing with 11p/3r/7a and 18p/9r/2s/3b, respectively. Freshmen Kelly Faris and Heather Buck also played well for UConn off the bench. Both players seem to be gaining more confidence as each game goes by and that bods well for the Huskies come Big East season. Overall, the Huskies played phenomenal defensively, ending with a season-hign 17 steals and holding the Crusaders to only 27% shooting. UConn also shared the ball tonight beautifully with 26 assists on 35 made FG's (which is almost 3 out of every 4 baskets). UConn has now won 42 consecutive games by a margin of 10 points or more as Geno earned his 699th career victory. Geno goes for win number 700 in the first game of the WBCA Classic at Gampel against Hofstra the day after Thanksgiving. With win #700, Geno will become the fastest coach in WCBB history to 700 wins as he becomes the 11th member of the 700-win club.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game at Holy Cross Crusaders (2-1).

Location: DCU Center (Worcester, MA)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV (Geno Show, 6pm)
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: N/A

The UConn trio of Sr. C Tina Charles, Jr. W Maya Moore, and So. G Tiffany Hayes were three of the 50 players named to the 2009-10 Preseason Naismith Award Watch List, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today. Moore seeks to become the first player ever to win two Naismith trophies in high school and college. She won the Naismith National High School Girl’s Player of the Year award in both 2006 and 2007 at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga., and claimed the college award this past March.

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (2-0)

Results: Connecticut 83, Texas 58
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (20p, 11r, 4a, 4b, 33m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (9dr, 4b, 33m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (6p, 5r, 4a, 3s, 28m)
Stat of the Game: Pts. in the Paint: UConn 44, Texas 24

Summary: Well that was quite unexpected. I don't even think Geno expected a 25-pt victory over 10/13th-ranked Texas in Texas. But that's exactly what happened, as UConn defeated Texas 83-58. At one point, the lead got as high as 35pts. UConn's defense was stiffling holding Texas to 26% shooting in the 1st half and 32% for the game. In a foul-plagued game, All-Americans Maya Moore and Tina Charles were their usual selves. Maya got to the line a career-high 11 times (now that is what I'm talking about), hitting her first 10 on her way to a 20p/11r night. Tina added a double-double of her own with 15p/11r in only 18mins of play. Turnovers were a little problem, but outside of that every UConn player who played in the 1st 30 minutes of the game played well on both ends of the court. All 5 UConn starters finished in double figures and freshman Kelly Faris turned in a nice all-around performance and was seemingly everywhere on the court finishing with 6p/5r/4a/3s in 28mins. Senior F Kaili McLaren made her season debut with some phenomenal no-look passes and again proved why many say she is the BEST passing post in America. If only she played every game like it was her last, she would play more than 11mins and would easily be an All-Big East Second Teamer. Lastly, Geno is now only two games away from becoming the 8th member of the women's 700-win club.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. 10/13 Texas Longhorns (1-0).

Event: Road to the Championship
Location: AT&T Center (San Antonio, TX)
Time: 9:30pm (ET)
TV: ESPN2
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: ESPN360
Live Stats: N/A

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (1-0)

Results: Connecticut 105, Northeastern 35
Player of the Game: Sr. C Tina Charles (26p, 13r, 2a, 18m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Sr. W Meghan Gardler (2dr, 2s, 1b, 26m)
Freshman Player of the Game: RFr. F Heather Buck (4p, 12r, 1s, 21m)
Stat of the Game: Halftime: UConn 69 (Team Record), Northeastern 15

Summary: Just prior to tip-off the 6th NCAA Title Banner was unveiled, but the defending National Champs wasted no time letting the "other" Huskies know who's Home of the Huskies it was; jumping out to a 28-0 lead after 5 & 1/2 mins of play. All-American C Tina Charles dominated in just 18mins of play scoring 26p/13r and National Player of the Year W Maya Moore was her usual self, quietly pouring in 18p/10r/5a/1s in 25mins of play as UConn defeated Northeastern by 70, 105-35. Shorthanded with Dixon (hamstring) and McLaren (ankle) out of the game, the bench played early and often. Redshirt Freshman F Heather Buck made her collegiate debut finishing with 4p/12r/1s in 21mins of action. She certainly showed signs of a great future, once she gains more confidence. Her freshman counterpart, G Kelly Faris, had a quiet, typical freshmen debut, but showed she belongs. The starting backcourt of G Tiffany Hayes and G Caroline Doty played well with both running the point at different times during the game combining for 24p/7r/11a/4s and 8 to's. W Kalana Greene became the 33rd member of the UConn 1000-pt club after scoring her first basket of the day on a beautiful jump-stop, up and under move. Charles also made history today after grabbing her 5th rebound of the day by joining the elite duo of Rebecca Lobo and Jamelle Elliott as only the 3rd Husky to have 1000pts. and 1000rebs. Congrats KG and Tina Baby!!!! Simply put Northeastern had absolutely no answer for any UConn player today. They scored ever which way possible en route to a 69-pt. halftime score which is a UConn team record for points in ANY half. Every player scored and all the starters scored in double figures. Off the bench, both W Meghan Gardler and G Jacquie Fernandes played a career high in minutes tallying 10p/3r/2a/2s/1b in 26 mins and 4p/5r/2a in 24mins, respectively.

Game notes (pdf) for today's game vs. Northeastern Huskies (0-0).

Event: National Championship #6 Banner Presentation (preceeds tip off)
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 2:00pm (ET)
TV: CPTV
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: CPTV Hoop Streams
Live Stats: GameTracker

Player Milestones Approaching

Seniors:
Tina Charles
362 pts. away from 2000 career points
5 rebs. away from 1000 career rebounds
30 asts. away from 150 career assists
24 stls. away from 100 career steals
39 blks. away from 250 career blocks

Jacquie Fernandes
48 pts. away from 100 career points
1 reb. away from 50 career rebounds

Meghan Gardler
74 pts. away from 250 career points
83 rebs. away from 250 career rebounds
43 asts. away from 100 career assists
20 stls. away from 50 career steals

Kalana Greene
1 pt. away from 1000 career points
184 rebs. away from 750 career rebounds
37 asts. away from 200 career assists
31 stls. away from 150 career steals
11 blks. away from 50 career blocks

Kaili McLaren
42 pts. away from 500 career points
104 rebs. away from 500 career rebounds
20 asts. away from 200 career assists
6 stls. away from 50 career steals

Juniors:
Lorin Dixon
87 pts. away from 250 career points
23 rebs. away from 150 career rebounds
22 asts. away from 150 career assists
22 stls. away from 50 career steals

Maya Moore
68 pts. away from 1500 career points
112 rebs. away from 750 career rebounds
7 asts. away from 250 career assists
11 stls. away from 150 career steals
32 blks. away from 150 career blocks
37 3's away from 200 career 3's made

Sophomores:
Caroline Doty
103 pts. away from 250 career points
43 rebs. away from 100 career rebounds
17 asts. away from 50 career assists

Tiffany Hayes
173 pts. away from 500 career points
94 rebs. away from 250 career rebounds
48 asts. away from 150 career assists
6 stls. away from 50 career steals

2009-10 ESPN Women's College Basketball Season Preview:

Preseason Player of the Year:
Jr. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut*

Preseason All-American Teams:
First Team:
Jr. C Jane Appel, Stanford
Jr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut
Sr. PF Alysha Clark, Middle Tenn. State
So. SF Maya Moore, Connecticut
Sr. SG Monica Wright, Virginia

Second Team:
Sr. SG Allison Hightower, LSU
Jr. C Jantel Lavender, Ohio State
Sr. SF Danielle McCray, Kansas
Jr. SF Kayla Pedersen, Stanford
Jr. PG Danielle Robinson, Oklahoma

Best Players (per position):
Point Guard:
1. Jr. Danielle Robinson, Oklahoma
Jr. Cetera DeGraffenreid, North Carolina
So. Samantha Prahalis, Ohio State
Sr. Andrea Riley, Oklahoma State
Jr. Courtney Vandersloot, Gonzaga

Shooting Guard:
1. Sr. Monica Wright, Virginia
Jr. Alexis Gray-Lawson, California
So. Tiffany Hayes, Connecticut
Sr. Allison Highltower, LSU
Jr. Jeanette Pohlen, Stanford

Small Forward:
1. Jr. Maya Moore, Connecticut
Sr. Alysha Clark, Middle Tenn. State
Sr. Danielle McCray, Kansas
Jr. Kayla Pedersen, Stanford
So. Shekinna Stricklen, Tennessee

Power Forward:
1. Sr. Amber Harris, Xavier
Sr. Heather Bowman, Gonzaga
Sr. Kelsey Griffin, Nebraska
Jr. Ify Ibekwe, Arizona
Sr. Jacinta Monroe, Florida State

Center:
1. Sr. Jayne Appel, Stanford
Sr. Tina Charles, Connecticut
Jr. Jantel Lavender, Ohio State
Jr. Ta'Shia Phillips, Xavier
Jr. Carolyn Swords, Boston College

ARV (any position):
SG Angie Bjorklund, Tennessee; C Allyssa DeHaan, Michigan State; SG Tyra Grant, Penn State; PF Rachele Fitz, Marist; PG JJ Hones, Stanford; PG Ashley Houts, Georgia; PF Glory Johnson, Tennessee; PF Allison Lacey, Iowa State; PF Jene Morris, San Diego State; PF Nnemkadi Ogwumike, Stanford; SG Brittainey Raven, Texas; C Angel Robinson, Georgia; C Jenna Smith, Illinois; SG Helena Sverridottir, TCU; PF Kalee Whipple, Utah.

Preseason Top 10:
1. Connecticut, 40* 
2. Stanford, 36
3. North Carolina, 31
4. Notre Dame, 26
5. Ohio State, 21
6. Duke, 20
7. Baylor, 15
8. Tennessee, 14
9. Michigan State, 6
10. Xavier, 4

*unanimously tabbed preseason favorite by ESPN.com's panel of contributors -- columnists Mechelle Voepel, Graham Hays and Charlie Creme and editor Melanie Jackson.

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.

Game notes (pdf) for today's exhibition game vs. Vanguard Lions (NAIA).

Location: XL Center (Hartford, CT)
Time: 7:00pm (ET)
TV: none
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: HuskyVision
Live Stats: GameTracker

1/1 Connecticut Huskies (0-0)

Results: Connecticut 85, St. Rose 44
Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (19p, 7r, 6a, 5s, 2b, 24m)
Defensive Player of the Game: Jr. W Maya Moore (1dr, 5s, 2b, 24m)
Freshman Player of the Game: Fr. G Kelly Faris (14p, 2r, 4a, 3s, 25m)
Stat of the Game: 2nd Chance Pts.: UConn 35, St. Rose 8

Summary: All-Americans Moore and Charles picked up right where they left off in the 2009 Title Game help UConn defeat top DII program St. Rose scoring 19/7 and 14/11, respectively. True Freshman Faris made her career debut and Doty returned from last seasons ACL injury without batting an eye. Faris came off the bench and was very impressive. She quickly established herself as a defensive nightmare and very-sound offensive threat. The future looks bright for #34. Doty looked unfazed in her first real game in over 10 months and finished with 11/6 in 20 solid minutes off the bench. The Huskies backcourt had a terrible shooting night only hitting 7 of 29 3's specifically Hayes who only finished with 3pts. on 1-11 shooting (1-9 from deep). Dixon looked more confident, but struggled as the starting point guard. Moore still needs to learn how to create more contact in order to put more pressure on the refs to blow the whistle and ultimately get to the free throw line much, much more (like 10-12 times a night). The Huskies as a team didn't get to the line much tonight as the refs only blew 23 times combined, but they didn't execute well when they did get there only hitting 6 of 12 FT's (neither Moore or Charles got to the line). Charles, Greene, and Dixon are great in the paint, but have to expand their range (especially Dixon). Geno and staff are not likely very pleased and the players won't be satisfied after watching the game film. Overall, a decent outing by the defending National Champs. The expectations are high in Storrs, and clearly, much more improvement is needed.

Game notes (pdf) for today's exhibition game vs. St. Rose Golden Knights (DII).

Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)
Time: 7:30pm (ET)
TV: none
Radio: WTIC/NewsTalk 1080
Internet: HuskyVision
Live Stats: GameTracker

The four University of Connecticut men's and women's basketball exhibition games will be available via streaming video at HuskyVision on UConnHuskies.com. The four exhibition games will not be available on commercial television.

A subscription to HuskyVision is required to view the games and is priced at $9.95 and can be purchased at UConnHuskies.com.

The four games that will be streamed will be:
Wed., Nov. 4, men vs. AIC, 7:00pm (XL Center)
Thur., Nov. 5, women vs. Saint Rose, 7:30pm (Gampel Pavilion)
Sat., Nov. 8, men vs. UMass-Lowell, 1:00pm (Gampel Pavilion)
Mon., Nov. 9, women vs. Vanguard, 7:00pm (XL Center)

The games will also be archived on the site for viewing by subscribers.

UConn is also the UNANIMOUS #1 in the 2009-10 Preseason ESPN/USA Today Poll released today.

Moore History:

Today Jr. All-American SF Maya Moore was named as an unanimous selection to the 2009-10 Preseason AP All-America Team along with fellow UConn teammate and Sr. All-American C Tina Charles. Moore received all 40 media votes and becomes the 7th player in WCBB history to be selected unanimously to the preseason AP All-America team. And for the fifth time in WCBB history, two teammates from the university were selected to the preseason team.  It's the third time two Huskies have been on the preseason team as Jen Rizzotti and Kara Wolters were named in 1995-96 and Shea Ralph and Svetlana Abrosimova were named in 2000-01. Rizzotti and Wolters were first-team All-Americans after the season, too (OTH, Ralph and Abrosimova both ended the season with injuries).

The 2009-10 Preseason AP Poll was released today:

UCONN: UNANIMOUS #1.

Do I even need any commentary?? I mean, what would I say that hasn't already been said (twice)??

The Most Shocking News of the Day!!

The defending National Champions were picked to win the 2009-10 Big East Conference Regular Season Title in a poll voted on by the league coaches today at Big East Media Day. Connecticut was the unanimous choice by the coaches. Connecticut's Maya Moore was selected as the 2009-10 Preseason Big East POTY and Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins was picked as the 2009-10 Preseason Big East FOTY. Twelve players were named to the 2009-10 Preseason All Big East Team including Connecticut's Moore, Tina Charles, and Tiffany Hayes (Kalana Greene was named an honorable mention).

2009-10 Preseason Big East Poll:
1. Connecticut 225 (15)
2. Notre Dame 210 (1)
3(t). DePaul 171
3(t). Louisville 171
5. Pittsburgh 167
6. Rutgers 156
7. Syracuse 126
8. Georgetown 124
9. West Virginia 121
10. Marquette 111
11. South Florida 86
12. St. John's 84
13. Villanova 78
14. Seton Hall 33
15. Providence 31
16. Cincinnati 26

( ) - Indicates first-place votes

2009-10 Preseason BIG EAST Honors:
Player of the Year:
Jr. F Maya Moore, Connecticut (not being unanimous is baffling to me!?!)
Freshman of the Year:
Fr. G Skylar Diggins, Notre Dame*

2009-10 Preseason All-BIG EAST Team:
Sr. G Ashley Bartow, Notre Dame
Sr. C Tina Charles, Connecticut*
So. F/C Keisha Hampton, DePaul
So. G Tiffany Hayes, Connecticut
Sr. F Nicole Michael, Syracuse
Jr. F Maya Moore, Connecticut*
Sr. G Deirdre Naughton, DePaul
Jr. G Liz Repella, West Virginia
Jr. G Angel Robinson, Marquette*
Sr. G Kahla Roudebusch, Cincinnati
Sr. G/F Lindsay Schrader, Notre Dame
So. F Da'Shena Stevens, St. John's

* - unanimous selection
{an extra member was added to the preseason team due to tie in the voting}

2009-10 Preseason All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention:
Jr. G Deseree Byrd, Louisville
RSr. G/F Kalana Greene, Connecticut
Sr. G Brittany Ray, Rutgers

More Bittersweet (Recruiting) News!

As our heart continue to be filled with sadness over the loss of UConn Football Star Jasper "Jazz" Howard, one of the Top Point Guards in the country is helping round out UConn's 2010 recruiting class quite nicely. Today 5'10 Sr. PG Bria Hartley (North Babylon H.S., NY) verbally committed to becoming the 5th member of this year's class.  Hartley was on campus this weekend on her official visit and took in UConn's First Night and first official practice. Welcome to Storrs, Bria!!

Now the Huskies await word from the #1 Player in the 2010 class, 6'3 Sr. PF Chiney Ogwumike (Cy Fair H.S., TX), who attended UConn's first practice this weekend on her official visit to the Storrs campus. Ogwumike's top 3 are Connecticut, Notre Dame, and Stanford, but Stanford has been rumored to be her landing spot ever since her older sister, Nneka, signed to play there in 2007. She will make an official visit to Stanford this coming weekend. (As a freshman, Nneka [a Top 5 recruit in the 2008 class] quietly came away with 13pts. & 12rebs. against UConn at the 2009 Final Four, but NOW she is a Sophomore this season and you WILL notice her when UConn plays Stanford at the XL Center [Hartford, CT] on Dec 23rd, 2009).

Bitter-sweet (Recruiting) News amist Tradegy:

Early today the UConn family, campus, and community lost a very special member of its family.  Starting CB for the UConn Football team, Jr. Jasper Howard sadly became UConn campus' first homicide in over 30 years after losing his life early this morning outside the UConn Student Union after suffering stab wounds in an altercation around 12:30am. As a UConn Alumni, I am even more devasted by this loss to our tiny little community and pray his assailant is captured quickly and brought to justice. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jazz's family and unborn child.

[The UConn Police and Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit continue to actively investigate this incident and ask that anyone with information pertaining to the incident contact UConn Police at 860-486-4800.]

Fast-forward to 10:30pm for the only good news of the day: while UConn Women's Basketball team awaits the decision of two of the top-ranked uncommitted players of the 2010 class, the Huskies received their first verbal commitment for the 2011 class today. H.S. Junior 6'0 SF Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Mater Dei H.S. (CA), is ranked as the #1 overall player in the Blue Star rankings and #2 overall (#1 wing) in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60.

Today Phoenix Mercury G/F Diana Taurasi become the first former UConn player to be named WNBA Most Valuable Player. She garnered 27 1st-place votes and 323 points overall en route to being named the 2009 WNBA MVP. She led the league in scoring at 20.4ppg on her way to winning her third Peak Performer Award for Scoring and being the leading vote-getter for the All-WNBA teams (named to the 2009 All-WNBA First Team).

On Sept. 5, Taurasi became the fastest player to 4,000 career points doing so in 197 games to break Lauren Jackson’s record (209). She led the league in three pointers made with 79 and ranked seventh in the league in three-point shooting percentage (40.7). Taurasi ranks 13th in league history for points scored (4,029) and third in all-time points per game (20.3). This season, Taurasi ranked among the WNBA’s top ten leaders in nearly every category, including points per game (first), three point field goals made (first), three-point field goals attempted (fourth), three-point field goal percentage (seventh), free throws made (third), free throws attempted (fifth), free throw percentage (sixth), field goals made (fifth), field goals attempted (10th), blocks per game (eighth) and defensive rebounds per game (sixth).

She was also named to 2009 First Team All-WNBA, her fourth consecutive honor and fifth overall in her six WNBA seasons (2005 season was named to the Second Team), a WNBA All-Star, her fourth such appearance, and earned the 10th-career Player of the Week Award for the week of Aug. 17th. Her efforts helped propel the Mercury to the best record in the WNBA at 23-11, which also tied a franchise record, and the top overall seed in the 2009 WNBA Playoffs.

Currently, Taurasi has led (23.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.7apg) the Mercury to the 2009 WNBA Finals to face the Indiana Fever. Game 1 of the Finals begins tonight on ESPN2 live from Phoenix at 9:00pm. Check out the rest of the Finals schedule here.

2009 All-WNBA Teams
First Team:
G Becky Hammon, San Antonio (169) [3 MVP votes, 77]
G Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix (151) [1 MVP vote, 99]
F Tamika Catchings Indiana (167) [3 MVP votes, 163]
F Diana Taurasi Phoenix (201) [27 MVP votes, 323]
C Lauren Jackson, Seattle (179)
Second Team:
G Katie Douglas, Indiana (138) [5 MVP votes, 128]
G Deanna Nolan, Detroit (75)
F Candace Parker, Los Angeles (100)
F Sophia Young, San Antonio (72)
C Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles (69)

Today Minnesota Lynx and former UConn All-American PG Renee Montgomery was added to the USA Senior National Team training camp roster. She becomes the 7th current or former UConn player named to the roster which will be coached by UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma. Montgomery's Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Jennifer Gillom was recently named an assistant coach for the USA Senior National Team along with DePaul Head Coach Doug Bruno. The other six UConn players are Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tina Charles, Asjha Jones, Maya Moore, and Diana Taurasi (Taurasi who will not attend camp due to participation in 2009 WNBA Finals).

Today Minnesota Lynx and former UConn All-American PG Renee Montgomery was named to the 2009 WNBA Adidas All-Rookie Team. Montgomery garnered 11 of the possible 12 coaches votes (coaches were not permitted to vote for players on their own team). Montgomery, the No. 4 overall draft pick, became a consistent option off the bench in her first season. She averaged 9.0 points and 2.1 assists. Montgomery, who started nine games this season ranked third on the Lynx in assists and ranked in the top five among rookies in assists and points. She tallied a career-high 24 points in a 95-88 win over the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 7th.

2009 WNBA Adidas All-Rookie Team:
F DeWanna Bonner, Phoenix (12)
F Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta (12)
G Renee Montgomery Minnesota (11)
G Shavonte Zellous Detroit (11)
F Marissa Coleman Washington Mystics (6)

Time to play with the BIG Girls!!!

Today USA Sr. National Team and UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma announced that UConn All-Americans Sr C Tina Charles and Jr Maya Moore along with Stanford All-American Sr C Jayne Appel, have been invited to participate in the first practice sessions for the USA Sr. National Team from Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2009 at American University in Washington, D.C. They are the only three college players that have been invited. Moore is still recovering from a sprained knee that she got during practice for the World University Games. According to Auriemma, she's progressing fine and will be ready for the camp. In the time since, it has been determined that that a pair of Connecticut Sun players, former UConn All-American Asjha Jones and Lindsay Whalen, have also been invited. The practice session begins a process that will lead to the 12-member 2012 U.S. Olympic team. The first major competition for the squad will be the 2010 World Championship in Prague, Czech Republic, in late September 2010.

"We need to see how good they are in relation to the professionals," Auriemma said.

Connecticut All Americans Sr Tina Charles and Jr Maya Moore today were named as two of the 2009-10 31 preseason candidates for the 2010 Women's Wooden Award. Moore won the prestigious Wooden award last season. The Huskies were one of four teams with two players on the list along with Ohio State, Stanford, and Gonzaga (yes Gonzaga!!).

The Wooden Award Committee will release the Midseason Top 20 list in late December. The National Ballot, consisting of approximately 15 top players who have proven to their universities that they are also making progress toward graduation and maintaining a cumulative 2.0 GPA, will be released in March. The Women's Wooden Award All-American Team will be announced during the week of the NCAA Elite Eight. The 34th annual Wooden Award ceremony will held during the weekend of April 9-11.

ESPN's College GameDay crew rolling into Storrs...

For the first time in ESPN's College GameDay (and crew) will travel to Storrs, CT for a Connecticut women's basketball match-up. UConn will face Notre Dame on Jan. 16, 2010 at 9:00 pm on ESPN to kick off the 2010 conference season. Here's a look at the complete College GameDay schedule:

Date Site Game (All 9:00 pm ET on ESPN unless otherwise noted)
Jan. 16 Storrs, CT Notre Dame at Connecticut (women’s)
Jan. 23 Clemson, SC Duke at Clemson
Jan. 30 Manhattan, KS Kansas at Kansas State (7:00 pm ET)
Feb. 6 Champaign, IL Michigan State at Illinois
Feb. 13 Lexington, KY Tennessee at Kentucky
Feb. 20 Seattle, WA UCLA at Washington
Feb. 27 Syracuse, NY Villanova at Syracuse
Mar. 6 Durham, NC North Carolina at Duke