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HARTFORD, CT (February 12, 2003) -- Top-ranked
and undefeated Connecticut used a huge rebounding advantage and
sizzling second half shooting to race past league foe Syracuse,
75-51, Wednesday night before the usual sellout throng of 16,294 at
the Hartford Civic Center.
The win, the Huskies’ 62nd consecutive without a
loss, improves their record to 23-0 on the campaign, and 10-0 in BIG EAST play.
The Orangewomen slip to 8-14, 3-8 in conference play.
The Huskies took control early in the contest, leading 7-2
on their way to a 25-10 lead with 7:39 to play before intermission as freshmen
Barbara Turner (Cleveland, OH) and Ann Strother (Castle Rock, CO) each scored
six points. The Huskies were forced to play nine minutes of the first half
without All-American Diana Taurasi (Chino, CA) who was saddled with three
fouls. Taurasi only played 15 minutes in the contest. The Huskies settled for
a 35-18 halftime edge, as they outrebounded the Orangewomen 33-14 in the opening
half. Ashley Battle (Pittsburgh, PA) led the Huskies with eight rebounds in the
first half.
Turner led the Huskies with 18 points. She was joined in
double figures by center Jessica Moore (Palmer, AK), who scored 15, Battle, who
had 13 and Strother, who chipped in with 11. UConn dominated the battle of the
backboards, outrebounding Syracuse 57-27 on the contest. Battle and freshman
Wilnett Crockett (Harbor City, CA) each grabbed 10
 boards to pace the Huskies.
It was Battle’s second double-double of the season. Moore added nine rebounds.
Starting point guard Maria Conlon (Derby, CT) led the Huskies with six of UConn’s 22 assists. Taurasi finished with five points.
UConn, which short just 33% (12 of 36) in the first half,
warmed up to connect on 60% (15 of 25) of their second half field goal
attempts. The Huskies pounded the ball inside all game, outscoring their
shorter opponent, 32-8 in the paint.
The Huskies return to action on Sunday, February 16, when
they host Seton Hall at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs. Tip-off is set
for 2:00 p.m. and the game will be televised locally by CPTV.
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