STORRS, Conn. _ With 28 hours before they were set to play Towson in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, seniors Katie Lou Samuelson and Napheesa Collier were very candid about their mindset going into the tournament. Being named the No. 2 seed was a shock, and the disrespect they felt was only going to act as motivation.
There would be no coasting, no going easy on anyone. With each game UConn plays in the tournament, they want to show everyone they should've been a No. 1.
That anger led to an overwhelming show of dominance Friday night that highlighted what the Huskies can do when they feel slighted. UConn didn't hold back against No. 15 Towson _ a team making its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance _ walking off the Gampel Pavilion court with a 110-61 win to move onto the second round of the tournament.
The Huskies will play No. 10 Buffalo, an 82-71 winner over No. 7 Rutgers, on Sunday at a time to be announced.
UConn was led by Collier, who recorded her 21st double-double of the season with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Her nine field goals pushed her into fourth in all-time field goals in program history and gave her the fifth most in a single season. Christyn Williams was the second-highest scorer with 21 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Crystal Dangerfield had 20 points and three assists. Megan Walker ended the night with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Samuelson finished with 11 points, five rebounds and six assists.
The opening minutes of the game were sloppy for both teams, but it didn't take UConn long to get back to its usual self. The Huskies did what they do best, pushing the pace on offense. Their speed and transition game helped them get out to a quick lead, and more than usual they were able to spread the ball around.
UConn's scoring came from all five starters in the first half, with Samuelson's return to the court allowing more open shots for her teammates. The senior, who was playing in her first game back since suffering back spasms against Houston, didn't make a shot until the second quarter. By the end of the half she had six points, five rebounds and five assists.
Coach Geno Auriemma was hopeful that the increased responsibility Walker and Williams experienced during the conference tournament due to Samuelson's absence would carry over into the NCAA Tournament, and it appeared to. Williams showed no signs of freshman nerves, driving to the basket early in the first quarter to give UConn its second field goal of the game. She continued to shoot with confidence, hitting four 3s.
By the end of the first half the Huskies were up 64-24 and all starters had scored. UConn was able to force seven turnovers thanks to three steals and four blocked shots. They shot 64.7 percent in the half.
UConn didn't slow down much in the second half, though they did put in some of their bench players. Samuelson drained her third three of the night before heading to the bench, but the remaining starters continued their shooting success. Williams hit multiple threes in the second half, as well as Walker and Dangerfield each sinking one.
The Huskies' dominant first three quarters allowed Collier, Dangerfield and Samuelson to spend more time on the bench than usual _ something that will be good for UConn as they prepare for the second round on Sunday. Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Kyla Irwin, Mikayla Coombs, Molly Bent and Batouly Camara all got experience Friday night, subbing in for the starters.
