INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — UConn coach Geno Auriemma chatted with his seniors after smacking Creighton on Sunday.
“I told them we need more of you three seniors, we need you to play better,” Auriemma said. “It’s not a challenge or it wasn’t to put pressure on them, it’s just a statement of fact. I hope you took it to heart. Let’s hope this is the beginning of the beautiful thing.”
Seniors Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Christyn Williams scored 19 points apiece and newcomer Caroline Ducharme added 18 as No. 10 UConn rolled past Butler 92-47 on Wednesday night.
Evina Westbrook, the other senior, had 13 points and Aaliyah Edwards 12 for the Huskies (8-3, 3-0 Big East).
“I talked to Christyn that she had to influence the game in another way,” Auriemma said. “This defense, rebounding and hustle plays. She did all these Things. Usually Christyn doesn’t do these things. But when she does, she’s a very good player and one who can do more than just wait for an open 3-pointer.”
Williams delivered a career-high seven steals with four assists and a turnover to go.
“I think we had great energy,” Williams said. “If we are good defensively, the Offense will grow.”
Celena Taborn scored 13 and Emilia Sexton 11 for the Bulldogs (1-12, 0-4 Big East).
It was the most points scored by the Huskies since their 15-point win over Arkansas 95. It was the biggest win of the season.
UConn’s biggest lead was 55 points at 90-35 with 4:57 left in the fourth quarter. UConn shot 47.5 percent and held Butler to 36 percent.
The Huskies took control early and scored the first nine points Of the game.
UConn shot 62.5% on the way to a 25-9 lead after the first quarter. UConn dropped 17 unanswered points to go from 19-9 to 36-9.
The Huskies cooled off somewhat in the second quarter and extended their lead to 48-19 midway through the half.
UConn held Butler to shooting 29.2% for the half. The Huskies had a 25-0 edge in points in the first half. UConn finished the game with a 43-0 edge in points. The Bulldogs had 27 turnovers, 20 more than UConn.
“That was a big part of the focus on us to make sure the game played fast and fast and uptempo,” Auriemma said. “We’ve spent the last two games smacking the other team’s Halfcourt defense, and that takes a lot away from you. We need a few simple buckets. The energy level was great.”
Butler coach Kurt Godlevske said UConn’s defense was making all the difference.
“What makes UConn impressive without two phenomenal players is its defensive presence,” Godlevske said. They have a huge size and length. their tenacity, their ability to get out and defend the passing lanes always make you a formidable opponent for everyone if you defend as you can. If you score 43 points, if you defend that way and make shots, it will put some pressure on you to score at that level, too. That makes them special, despite the two great goalscorers they miss.”
