DALLAS _ They came to Moody Coliseum to see history, fans donning UConn apparel and holding signs.
In a matter of minutes after the tip-off, the No. 1-ranked Huskies gave the people what they wanted Saturday afternoon. UConn sprinted to a 21-0 lead against SMU and were pitching a shutout for close to eight minutes, starting the 91st consecutive win with an exclamation point.
The record-setting win was much like so many other victories over the past few seasons. UConn dominated an overmatched opponent early, match to a sizable lead and never looked back.
The 88-48 victory put this year's group on a stage by themselves. UConn has won 91 consecutive game, surpassing the record set by the Huskies in 2010.
The last time around, UConn passed UCLA's revered 88-game streak and drew lots of national attention in the process. This year, UConn is passing UConn and the focus is on a program that continues to redefine itself.
UConn (16-0) entered this season with a new-look lineup after losing Breanna Stewart, Morgan Tuck and Moriah Jefferson from a four-time national champion. Most observers, most notably coach Geno Auriemma, expected the Huskies to lose multiple games before the American Athletic Conference schedule.
Instead, they were unbeaten in nonconference games and have won four in a row in the conference they have dominated.
SMU (10-7) had no chance Saturday. The Mustangs missed their first 14 shots as UConn contested and defended as if it were facing a Final Four opponent.
Meanwhile, the Huskies connected on their first six of eight shots. It was 26-2 after the first quarter as the occasional UConn chant surfaced in the crowd.
With freshman Crystal Dangerfield out with a foot injury, UConn's bench was depleted. And the team was not as crisp when Auriemma turned to his reserves. SMU outscored UConn 9-2 to start the second quarter, as the Huskies were 1 of 8 shooting through the first five minutes of the period.
It was 33-18 with 2:27 left in the half. UConn was struggling to run a productive offense and SMU was converting baskets.
But Katie Lou Samuelson, UConn's leading scorer, took over the game. She hit a jumper before Natalie Butler scored off a rebound to make it 37-18. Over the final 1:12 of the half, Samuelson scored seven unanswered points on a 3-pointer and two jumpers. The last shot was a buzzer beater that sent UConn into the intermission with a 44-18 lead.
Samuelson had 20 points in the first half and finished with 28, one shy of her career high. Napheesa Collier had 19 points with career highs in rebounds (16) and blocks (six).
Gabby Williams recorded 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Next up for UConn is Tulsa, Tuesday on the road.
