STORRS, CT – The College of Saint Rose fell 85-44 to defending Division I national champion Connecticut in an exhibition game in front of an announced crowd of 6,727 at Gampel Pavilion tonight.
The Huskies, who won last year’s National Championship behind an unblemished 39-0 record, open the year as the nation's top-ranked team for the seventh time in program history according to the Associated Press Preseason Poll. All five starters and 10 letterwinners are back from last year’s squad that posted the third perfect season in program history and won its 16th BIG EAST title.
Regardless, Saint Rose stayed close throughout the opening stages as the Golden Knights trailed 14-10 with 12:59 remaining in the first half following a 3-pointer from sophomore guard
Ola Shajuyigbe. However, the Huskies then used a 17-3 run that put them in control 31-13 with 8:36 left until intermission.
Sophomore guard
Ashley Rath led the Golden Knights with 13 points and six rebounds. Shajuyigbe finished with 12 points, while sophomore center
Ali Johnson added six points on 3-for-3 shooting from the floor.
UConn was paced by its two preseason All-Americans. Junior forward Maya Moore had 19 points, seven boards and six assists; while senior center Tina Charles registered a “double-double” via 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Saint Rose will officially open its 2009-10 campaign on Sunday, November 15 when the Golden Knights host Bloomfield College for a non-conference date at the Daniel P. Nolan Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 4:00 pm; with the two respective men’s teams to follow at approximately 6:00 pm. UConn will play another exhibition game Monday when the Huskies host Vanguard University at 7:00 pm.
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