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| UConn's Tina Charles, right, is fouled by Northeastern's Rachael Pecota (1), left, during the second half of their game in Storrs (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) |
26 Points, 13 Rebounds for Charles as Huskies Rout Northeastern 105-35
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By PAT EATON-ROBB
Associated Press Writer
STORRS, Conn. (AP) _ Tina Charles scored 26 points and grabbed
13 rebounds as top-ranked Connecticut began the defense of its
sixth national title with a 105-35 rout of Northeastern on
Saturday.
Charles, who pulled down her 1,000th career rebound in the first
half, was one of six Huskies in double figures.
It was a day of milestones for UConn, which unveiled its latest
national championship banner before the game. The team extended its
winning streak to 40 games, its home winning streak to 40 games,
and its regular-season winning streak to 39 games. UConn also has
116 consecutive wins against unranked non-conference opponents.
UConn scored the games first 28 points and was never challenged.
The Huskies led 69-15 at the half _ the most points they've scored
in any half of any game.
Maya Moore finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Tiffany
Hayes had 14 points; Kalana Greene had 13 and Caroline Doty and
Meghan Gardler each added 10
Rachael Pecota led Northeastern with 10 points.
The Huskies shot 60 percent from the field, and 68 percent in
the first half.
The 28-0 run to start the game was the team's longest since they
scored 32 straight against Holy Cross last Dec. 3. They had four
players in double figures by halftime.
Greene's driving layup just under 2 minutes into the game gave
her 1,000 points for her career, the 33rd UConn player to reach
that milestone.
Charles came into the game needing five rebounds for 1,000. She
got her fifth less than five minutes into the game on the offensive
end, grabbing a missed shot by Greene. She was fouled on the
putback, and her free throws gave UConn a 22-0 lead.
A 3-pointer by Greene gave UConn a 100-30 lead with just under 5
minutes left. It was the 60th time UConn has scored 100 points or
more.
UConn outrebounded Northeastern 61 to 19.
The win leaves coach Geno Auriemma three shy of 700 for his
career.
Connecticut played without junior point guard Lorin Dixon and
senior forward Kaili McLaren.
Dixon is recovering from a left hamstring injury, and McLaren
was in a protective boot after twisting her right ankle in practice
on Friday.
The Huskies haven't lost at home since Jan. 6, 2007, when they
were beaten by Tennessee.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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