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Final: UConn Women’s Basketball Defeats Temple, 106-45

Katie Lou Samuelson powered the Huskies with 27 points.

Gabby Williams (15) skies for two of her 10 points.
Ian Bethune/The UConn Blog

In their final game at the XL Center this season, the UConn women’s basketball comfortably defeated the Temple Owls, 106-45.

It was all Huskies from the start as they jumped out to a 11-3 lead. Defensively, they locked down Temple, who struggled to even get a shot up early on.

Gabby Williams kick-started UConn’s offense, scoring eight of the team’s first 15 points. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Williams had 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

After the first media timeout, Williams handed the scoring reigns to Katie Lou Samuelson. The junior caught fire, hitting her first four shots en route to 17 first-half points. She finished with 27 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including four-of-five from the 3-point line.

UConn steadily built their lead and held a 54-26 advantage going into the half.

The second half was much of the same from the Huskies. They ripped off a 16-0 run towards the end of the third quarter and held a 46-point lead entering the final quarter.

Head Coach Geno Auriemma, Gabby Williams, Katie Lou Samuelson & Azura Stevens postgame video

With the game well in hand, the final quarter was another chance for the reserves to get some action. Kyla Irwin and Batouly Camara both took advantage of their minutes, scoring seven and eight points, respectively.

Camara in particular looked confident after dealing with knee issues earlier in the season, driving hard to the rim and battling inside for rebounds.

UConn finished with six players in double-figures compared to just one for the Owls. Kia Nurse had a strong day from three, hitting 5-of-7 from deep on her way to 16 points. Azura Stevens played well off the bench, dropping 11 points and snatching eight rebounds.

The victory marks the Huskies’ 100th-straight win in American Conference play, where they are also undefeated. UConn’s next game comes at the place they nearly lost their perfect record when they visit the Tulane Green Wave at Devlin Fieldhouse. Tipoff is on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. on SNY.