UConn Women’s Basketball Drops Temple, 97-69

When you’re as successful as the UConn women are, it seems like they’re breaking a different record with every passing game. Wednesday was no different as the Huskies’ 97-69 win at Temple was their 35th consecutive win on the road, breaking their own record they set from 2001-04.

On offense, UConn was extremely successful getting the ball inside. In the first half, they made 19-of-21 from inside the arc and scored 32 points in the paint while shooting 77%. The Huskies were so effective down low that they didn’t make a field goal outside the paint for the first 14:41.

While they were nearly unstoppable inside the arc, it was a different story beyond it. The Huskies struggled from three all night as they hit just 4-of-16 from deep.

After going back-and-forth over the first few minutes, UConn went on a 13-0 run that helped the Huskies pull away. During the run, their defense locked down the Owls as they were held scoreless for over five minutes.

Temple struggled to crack UConn’s defense all night long, shooting just 36.5% for the game. The Huskies clogged the passing lanes and forced the Owls into 19 turnovers.

Despite trailing by 34 at the half, Temple came out with a renewed energy in the second half. They played more aggressive and more importantly, finally started sinking their shots. They shot 64% in the quarter and outscored UConn 29-22.

However, the Owls could not carry their play into the final quarter. Geno Auriemma was visibly displeased with his team’s performance and got on them to step up their performance. The Huskies responded with a 9-3 run which stretched their lead to 30 points.

Although Temple made a late push, the lead was too much and the Huskies came away with a 28-point win, their 96th in a row.

Napheesa Collier was unstoppable in the post. She scored a game-high 25 points on 12-of-14 shooting, while grabbing 10 rebounds to earn her seventh double-double of the season. She also chipped in on the defensive end with four blocks and three steals.

Fellow sophomore Katie Lou Samuelson continues to be Collier’s partner-in-crime, scoring 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting. While she typically plays around the perimeter, Samuelson took advantage of Temple’s lack of size by posting up down low.

The opportunity for Samuelson to get in the paint was in large part due to Gabby Williams’ dealing with foul trouble for much of the night. The junior only played 24 minutes but still finished with 14 points, six assists, four blocks and two rebounds.

After missing the last five games with a foot issue, Crystal Dangerfield returned to the floor for the Huskies. She finished with six points but more importantly she showed off her burst and speed while not appearing to be affected by the injury at all.

UConn returns home to face off against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sunday afternoon at Gampel Pavilion. Tip is set for 1 p.m.