Who said big names don't come to Provo?

The BYU women's basketball team will face the No. 1 University of Connecticut Huskies tonight at 7p.m. in the Marriott Center.

The game marks the highest-ranked opponent to ever come to the Marriott Center and will be the Cougars' strongest opponent of the season. BYU (2-1) hosts the Huskies for the first time in Provo. Last year, UConn destroyed BYU 80-34 in Hartford, Conn. Before advancing to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. This season, the Huskies have a perfect 3-0 record.

"We have a big challenge," BYU coach Jeff Judkins said. "Connecticut is probably the best defensive team in the country. They're the most athletic and they've got the best athlete in the country."

UConn averages 90.7 points per game and shoots 57.9 percent from the field. The Cougars match the Huskies in average rebounds, with BYU's 37.3 per game compared to UConn's 37.7.

BYU met the Huskies in Hartford, Conn. at the XL center last year and the Cougars lost by more than 40 points.

To get ready for this game, the Cougars are going to concentrate on improving their game.

In addition to studying UConn's game plan, senior Sara Red-Hostetter said they are going to go out there relaxed and ready.

"Not worrying so much about them being big girls, and not being able to guard them," she offered as keys to the game. "Just having confidence that we can guard them."

Head coach Geno Auriemma of the Huskies is in his 24th season and has five National Championships. He has some of the top talent in the country with senior guard Renee Montgomery, sophomore forward Maya Moore, and 6-foot-4-inich center Tina Charles.

Charles led all scorers in her last game against Rhode Island with 21 points and nine rebounds. The game was her third straight with double-figure points this season, and 54th game scoring in double-figures 54 times in her career.

The Cougars will have to control Moore on the court, as she is a dynamic player and the Huskies' leading scorer. Moore is one among the favorites to be named as National Player of the Year, but she knows how to pass the ball, averaging 13 assists on the season.

In addition to Charles and Moore, point guard Montgomery will likely be thorn in the Cougars' side. She averages five steals per game and is an aggressive defensive player.

The underdog BYU will rely on its deep bench and top-scoring senior Shawnee Slade to carry the pressure against UConn. Senior center Cassie King grabbed a season and career high 10 boards Friday against Oregon and will be a key player in the paint Tuesday.

This display of talent and fighting against the odds will air live on BYUTV.



Copyright Brigham Young University 25 Nov 2008