The last time the UConn Huskies women's basketball team played in the Women's Paradise Jam in 2007, they won the title and a freshman in Maya Moore was named the Tournament MVP.
Fast forward to 2012 where the UConn women once again won the Paradise Jam and a freshman in Breanna Stewart was named the Tournament MVP.
Behind Stewart's 17 points, the No. 2 Huskies took care of business as they beat the No. 14 Purdue Boilermakers 91-57 to win the Paradise Jam at the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. on Saturday night.
UConn improves to 5-0 on the young season. It's the first loss of the season for Purdue as they fall to 5-1.
In addition to her 17 points, Stewart had four rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis added 15 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Bria Hartley came off the bench for the third straight game and had 12 points while Stefanie Dolson rounded out the Huskies in double figures with 10 points. She also tied with Kiah Stokes for the team-high in rebounds with five. Kelly Faris led UConn with five assists to go along with her nine points, four rebounds and two steals.
Courtney Moses paced the Boilermakers and led all scorers in the game with 24 points. KK Houser chipped in with 16 points while April Wilson had 10 points and a team-high four assists. Drey Mingo led them with five rebounds.
These tournament wins are alway a nice thing but more importantly, they are a good bonding experience for the team. They have all essentially been together since the trip to College Station, TX which was a week ago.
Since then they've had time to enjoy the sites of the Caribbean and enjoy the company of their teammates. As the season goes on, this will immensely help the chemistry of the team. I say that as if it isn't already there.
One quick note before we go.
The local media is reporting that UConn AD Warde Manuel has said that the school and head coach Geno Auriemma are close to announcing a five-year extension to his contract. That would keep Geno in Storrs through the 2017-18 season.
UConn Huskies vs Purdue Boilermakers 2012 Women's Paradise Jam Championship box score
Here are the postgame quotes from UConn head coach Geno Auriemma as well as some of his players.
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photo credit: thomas layer – special to hartford courant (no. 1 in gallery)
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