UConn runs winning streak to 55 games, third-longest in history

DALLAS -- Business as usual for No. 1 UConn often means adding to history through dominating performances.

Breanna Stewart had 15 points, 12 rebounds and nine blocks to help the Huskies extend their winning streak to 55 games, the third-longest in NCAA Division I women's basketball history, with a 90-37 victory over SMU on Saturday.

Stewart, the two-time defending national player of the year, also had seven assists and three steals in three quarters. Dallas native Moriah Jefferson scored 19 points to go along with six assists and six steals for the Huskies (18-0, 8-0 The American).

McKenzie Adams led the Mustangs (8-10, 3-4) with 13 points, and Alicia Froling added 12.

UConn owns the three longest winning streaks, all compiled under coach Geno Auriemma. The Huskies won 90 straight from 2008-11 and 70 straight from 2001-03. Saturday's victory broke a tie with the 54-game streak that Louisiana Tech put together 1980-82.

The Moody Coliseum crowd, listed at 3,732, was more than three times larger than SMU's previous high for the season and contained plenty of vocal Huskies supporters. The 53-point win gives UConn an average margin of victory of 47.5 points through its first eight conference games.

"I've been through this before," said Auriemma, a 10-time national champion. "Back in 1995, this was a regular occurrence in the old Big East.

"I don't worry about what the score is and what the streak is or anything like that. I'm just trying to make sure that we're better and that we do the right things and that we play the right way and that we're constantly putting ourselves in position to be really, really good when March comes around."

The Huskies dominated in all phases, taking the lead for good 2:17 in when they broke a 2-2 tie. UConn outscored SMU 40-16 in the paint, 32-3 off turnovers and 18-3 on fast-break points. The Mustangs were held to 25-percent shooting from the floor and committed 25 turnovers in falling to 0-5 to UConn, losing by an average of 51.6 points.

"Maybe some coaches might not admit this," SMU coach Rhonda Rompola said, "but it is hard to look forward to playing a team when you know your kids are probably not going to feel good after they leave the court. ... I don't think they gave up."

The Huskies built off a 52-20 halftime advantage by scoring the first 15 points of the third period until Adams hit a 3-pointer from the right side with 3:29 to play in the period.

NEAR-MISS DUNK

Stewart nearly dunked a putback of a missed shot by Jefferson late in the third quarter but didn't get the ball over the rim. Jefferson said the two players discussed going for a dunk earlier in the game.

"If I can do it in a game, it would be cool because I think it would do a lot for women's basketball," Stewart said. "And it would be a cool experience for me. But it's not like I'm dying to do it."

HAPPY HOMECOMING

Jefferson, who grew up in DeSoto, about 20 miles south of Dallas, passed a couple of iconic Huskies in career statistics. She moved into fourth place in steals, passing Svetlana Abrosimova, and reached sixth place in assists, passing Maya Moore.

"It's just exciting to come here and to do some of the things those guys have done," Jefferson said.

TIP-INS

Connecticut: The nine blocks were a career high for Stewart, and the Huskies totaled a season-high 15. ... UConn has won its last 95 games against unranked opponents.

SMU: The Mustangs have lost their last 16 games to ranked opponents since beating No. 18 Texas-El Paso in the Conference USA tournament final in March 2008. ... Reserve guard Mikayla Reese left the game late in the first period after rolling her right ankle and didn't return.

UP NEXT

Connecticut: At Tulsa on Wednesday.

SMU: At Cincinnati on Wednesday.