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Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies delivered a remarkably dominant performance in their first round matchup, crushing the Robert Morris Colonials 101-49.
The key to enjoying @UConnWBB this year is not to hope for competition, but to treat team like basketball art piece.
— Howard Megdal (@howardmegdal) March 19, 2016
UConn put the game away quickly in the first quarter. The Husky defense swarmed on the Colonials, forcing them into 13 turnovers- they would finish with 29. When Robert Morris was able to get their half-court offense set up, it failed to put the ball in the hoop, scoring just four points on 16% shooting.
Meanwhile, the Huskies scored 39 points in the first quarter, surpassing their previous season high of 33 points in the second quarter of the AAC semifinal against Tulane. They didn't follow that pace in the second quarter, but still went into halftime leading 64-15.
.@RMUAthletics will need a second-half comeback if it wants to extend its season, trails UConn, 64-15 at half. #ncaaW #NECWBB
— Northeast Conference (@NECsports) March 19, 2016
Unlike the American Revolution, there would be no comeback by the Colonials. All five UConn starters finished in double figures and the bench players saw ample time as the rout continued.
Katie Lou Samuelson finished as the leading scorer, going 7-of-10 from the field on her way to 22 points, setting a program record for points in an NCAA Tournament debut.
Breanna Stewart passed Rebecca Lobo on UConn's all-time blocks in the NCAA Tournament list, swatting three shots while dropping 18 points, grabbing eight steals and five rebounds to go with four assists as well. Her play was laser-focused until Geno took her out for good with a few minutes left in the third quarter.
Despite struggling from the field, Morgan Tuck still managed 13 points thanks to shooting 6-of-7 from the free throw line. RMU's leading scorer was A Niki Stamolamprou, who had 11 points, but struggled with nine turnovers.
The Huskies advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the 22nd straight year. They will face the winner of No. 8 Seton Hall vs No. 9 Duquesne, with a trip to the Sweet Sixteen in Bridgeport on the line.