Behind 19 points from Mel Thomas, the UCONN Women defeated the St. John’s Red Storm 84-63 in their first ever meeting at the “Mecca” of college basketball, Madison Square Garden. Tina Charles added 15 points and 6 rebounds in her homecoming and Renee Montgomery added 15 points as well. Kalana Greene rounded out the Huskies in double figures with 14 points. St. John’s was led by former UCONN recruit, Kia Wright, who scored 19 points.
UCONN got out to a big lead early behind the strength of five 3 pointers by Mel Thomas and never looked back from there. Although UCONN was only up 13 at the break, they did hold St John’s to 27% shooting in the first half and 32% for the game.
Notes and Observations:
- The starters were Montgomery, Thomas, Greene, Charles and Houston.
- Mel Thomas’ five 3 pointers tied her career high. She had those 5 in the first 8 1/2 minutes of the first half. She didn’t make any more the rest of the way. She finished 5 of 14 from 3 point land.
- Charde Houston wasn’t really involved in the offense too much but she was very active on the glass pulling down 10 rebounds.
- Ketia Swanier was once again spectacular off the bench leading the Huskies with 8 assists.
- For the game, UCONN shot 51% from the floor and they were 12 of 18 from the line (67%).
- Brittany Hunter saw action in the game and scored 4 pts in 8 minutes. It was nice to see her playing without the sleeve on her knee. It was also the third straight game she has played in.
With the win the Huskies move to 16-2 (6-0 Big East) on the season. Next up is the DePaul Blue Demons on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM at Gampel Pavilion. The game will be broadcast locally here in CT on CPTV.
Technorati: UCONN Huskies, Geno Auriemma, Madison Square Garden, St John’s Red Storm, DePaul Blue Demons