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Connecticut's Swin Cash pushes her way by Providence's Jenese Wilcox on her way towards the basket. (AP Photo/Bob Child)

DONNA TOMMELLEO
Associated Press Writer

STORRS, Conn. (AP) - Diana Taurasi scored 16 points and keyed an early 28-0 run as No. 1 Connecticut cruised to a 104-49 win over Providence on Saturday (Jan. 13).

Kennitra Johnson also had scored 16 points for UConn (13-0, 4-0 Big East).

Svetlana Abrosimova led a smothering defense with seven of the Huskies' 22 steals. She also had a team-high eight assists.

Asjha Jones started off Connecticut's big burst with a quick basket off an inbounds pass 3:47 into the game. Taurasi had eight points in the run, including consecutive 3-pointers.

Providence (6-7, 0-4) was held scoreless for nearly eight minutes in the first half and shot just 27 percent in the game.

The Huskies domimated every facet of the game. UConn was too strong inside, too fast outside and too deep all game.

UConn bench players contributed 60 points, which included the 32 from Taurasi and Johnson.

Taurasi was 4-for-6 on 3-pointers and Johnson was 3-for-6 from behind the arc.

UConn outscored the Friars 58-20 in the paint and had 39 points off 27 Friar turnovers.

Kristin Quinn led Providence with nine points. Jen Gombotz, averaging a team-leading 13.4 points coming into the game, was held scoreless.