UConn routs USF to wrap up seventh unbeaten AAC season

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Megan Walker scored 23 points and No. 5 UConn completed its seventh consecutive undefeated American Athletic Conference regular season with an 80-39 rout of South Florida on Monday night.

Crystal Dangerfield, Christyn Williams and Aubrey Griffin each added 13 points for the Huskies (26-3, 16-0), who improved to 136-0 against AAC opponents, including all six conference tournaments. They open play in this season’s tournament on Saturday, in the familiar position as the top seed.

Sydni Harvey had 16 points for South Florida (18-12, 10-6), which had won three straight.

The Huskies never trailed South Florida and put the game away early, jumping out to a 22-4 lead behind 10 first-quarter points from Walker.

A three-point play by Crystal Dangerfield highlighted a 19-0 run in the second quarter and gave the Huskies their first 30-plus-point lead at 42-10. A 3-pointer by Anna Marurat put the Huskies up 53-14 at the half.

The Bulls had more turnovers (15) than points before intermission and ended the half with just four baskets on 30 shots.

UConn has never lost to South Florida, improving to 31-0 in the teams’ final scheduled meeting. They beat the Bulls by 20 points in Florida on Feb. 16. UConn is moving to the Big East next season.

BIG PICTURE

South Florida: The Bulls came into the game averaging just under 66 points per game on 40% shooting from the floor. The Huskies held them to 26% (15 baskets on 57 shots). USF was 2 of 19 from 3-point range.

UConn: The Huskies moved back into the Top 5 on Monday and were listed as a potential No. 2 seed in a preview of the women’s NCAA Tournament field. According to the reveal, they would play in the Portland regional with top-seeded Oregon. The top 16 teams in the tournament would host first- and second-round games.

UP NEXT

Sought Florida: The Bulls have secured a bye in the AAC tournament and will play Saturday as the fourth seed.

UConn: The top-seeded Huskies play their first AAC tournament game on Saturday.