UConn Women’s Basketball Overwhelms Cincinnati, 82-38

Coming off a lackluster road trip to Texas, the UConn women’s basketball team returned to their dominant ways, crushing the Cincinnati Bearcats 82-38.

The Huskies asserted control from the opening tip. UConn jumped out to a 10-0 lead and forced Cincinnati to take a timeout. The Huskies’ defense was suffocating, forcing four turnovers before the Bearcats even got their second shot off.

The visitors didn’t score until there was just under four minutes left in the first quarter, snapping UConn’s 17-0 run to open the game.

The Huskies couldn’t miss in the first half, shooting 54 percent from the field and a blistering 47 percent from three. UConn increased their lead to 30 at the half, 49-19.

Coming out of the break, the Huskies kept their foot on the gas and ripped off a 14-0 run, putting themselves up by 40. From there, the rest of the game was simply a formality with the subs getting plenty of run.

Ultimately, UConn came away with the 82-38 victory.

Katie Lou Samuelson earned her fifth double-double in the last six games with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Crystal Dangerfield notched her third career double-double with 11 points and 10 assists, the latter of which tied a career high.

After struggling since returning from strep throat, Megan Walker had a strong game on the boards, grabbing eight to pair with eight points and three assists. Napheesa Collier stuffed the statsheet with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Christyn Williams started 5-5 from the field and finished with 19 points on 7-13 shooting.

The Huskies defense was dominant, holding a team below 40 points for the first time all season. They also forced 20 turnovers which they converted into 25 points.

UConn also controlled the post, out-scoring Cincinnati 32-14 in the paint and out-rebounding them 43-30.

Next, the Huskies continue their homestand Sunday at Gampel Pavilion against the USF Bulls. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN.