The UConn Huskies women’s basketball team have a big game coming up on Monday night against the Duke Blue Devils. But first they had some business to take care of on Saturday afternoon as they opened up American Athletic Conference play.

UConn G Moriah Jefferson (4) finishes off the layup after splitting two SMU defenders in the second half at the XL Center in Hartford, CT.The SMU Mustangs were the opponent and by about 10 minutes into the first half, the game turned into a glorified scrimmage as the Huskies went on to a very easy 96-45 win in front of 9,972 at the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

UConn improves to 9-1 (1-0 American) while the Mustangs fall to 4-8 (0-1 American).

Moriah Jefferson led the Huskies with a career-high 24 points and had five steals. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis moved into second place all-time for three-pointers made as she hit three on her way to 19 points and six assists.

Kia Nurse added 13 points and seven assists with Morgan Tuck chipping in 12 points. Gabby Williams rounded out the Huskies in double-figures with 11 points and she pulled down seven rebounds.

Breanna Stewart had a rough game from the floor (2-of-9) and free throw line (2-of-4) for six points but had a game-high 13 rebounds.

Alicia Froling, Keely Froling and Raven Short all led the Mustangs with seven points. Destynee Hives-McCray had six points before fouling while Aurmani DeGar had six points as well. Gabrielle Wilkins led SMU with five rebounds.

Just one day of rest for the Huskies with the Blue Devils coming to town on Monday night at the XL Center. Tip is scheduled for 9 p.m.

SMU Mustangs @ UConn Huskies 12-27-14 box score

Here are the postgame quotes from UConn head coach Geno Auriemma.

Here are UConn’s postgame notes.

photo credit: ©2014 Ian Bethune