Top-ranked UConn picks up where it left off, routing Northeastern 105-35 in opener

UConn routs Northeastern 105-35 in season opener

STORRS, Conn. — 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.