It was another big night for Morgan Tuck on Wednesday when the emerging frontcourt star hung 24 points on the Temple Owls, leading all scorers. Breanna Stewart added 18 points, while Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, who looks to be coming out of her slump (as much as you can call it that), went for 17 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Gabby Williams also pulled 10 boards.
All told, the victory was UConn's 14th straight and the No. 2 team in the country is gelling at just the right time. Against Temple, it started early, lasted often, and ended in a 92-58 thrashing.
Specifically: UConn led 55-25 at the break, a fast start that wasn't lost on coach Geno Auriemma.
"That's pretty much the goal most games," the coach said after the game, via the team's website. "I can't think of a better way to start any game, getting three or four layups right away, and getting to the free throw line as well. Morgan and Stewie were very aggressive right from the beginning, and they know if they're working hard, are aggressive, and they want the ball, they're going to get it. We're not going to refuse to throw it to them because we haven't shot from the three point line yet. That's the plan every game, today it worked a lot better."
Tuck, meanwhile, continues to gain confidence and grow as a player, and through it all has become a key component in the Huskies' frontcourt.
"Moriah (Jefferson), Kaleena, and Stewie are very good players and can do a lot, but the same way Stefanie (Dolson) was able to pull it all together last year and make sure that things looked smooth," Auriemma explained. "Sometimes it looks choppy and lousy, and Morgan has the ability (to pull it all together) because she can score from many different places on the court. She is a pretty good passer who understands the game. If we didn't have her, we would need to find a way to get everyone as comfortable as they are now."
Next up: Another conference game, this time USF comes to Gampel Pavilion on Sunday afternoon.
