University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn Wins Hard-Fought Contest Against Rutgers
1/8/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HARTFORD, CT (January 8, 2003) -- Junior All-America Diana Taurasi (Chino, CA) scored 24 points to lead second-ranked Connecticut to its 52nd consecutive victory, a 67-62 win, Wednesday over Rutgers in the BIG EAST opener for both teams before a sellout crowd of 16,294 at the Hartford Civic Center.
The victory improves the Huskies record to a spotless 13-0 on the season, while the Scarlet Knights drop to 6-4.
UConn trailed 22-20 with 5:15 to play in the first half before the Huskies entered intermission on a 13-2 run keyed by Taurasi’s six points. UConn led 33-24 at the half, while shooting 50% (13 of 26) and committing just six turnovers.
The pesky Scarlet Knights hung tough throughout the second half, inching to within four twice late in the game. However, UConn hit six of eight free throws in the games final minute to secure the win.
Taurasi added seven rebounds to her game-high scoring total. Also in double figures for the Huskies was sophomore center Jessica Moore (Palmer, AK) who scored 10 points. Freshman Barbara Turner (Cleveland, OH) had nine points and six rebounds off the bench while junior Morgan Valley (Colchester, VT) had six points and seven boards in 22 minutes.
Cappie Pondexter led Rutgers with 23 points, despite shooting just nine of 26 from the field.
Connecticut will try to get within one win of tying the NCAA record for consecutive victories when they host league rival Virginia Tech on Sunday, January 12. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, and the game will be televised by CPTV.
