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UConn takes on in-state rival Hartford

Nov 17, 2008 - 3:08 PM Hartford (0-1) at (2) Connecticut (1-0)

HARTFORD, Connecticut (Ticker) -- If its season debut was any indication, Connecticut is in store for another season of dominance inside the paint.

The second-ranked Huskies will look to use their distinct size advantage in the post when they face off against Hartford on Monday.

UConn has led the country in blocks for seven years and counting, and with 7-3 center Hasheem Thabeet patrolling the paint, that string may very well continue.

The Tanzanian big man collected 23 points, 17 rebounds and had five of UConn's seven blocks in an 81-55 win over Western Carolina on Friday.

Jerome Dyson also had 23 points as the Huskies' shot 51 percent (28-of-55) and owned a 42-31 edge on the glass.

Hartford dropped its season opener to another intrastate school, falling to Quinnipiac, 63-62, on Friday.

Michael Turner had 15 points and seven rebounds, but the Hawks were outrebounded, 46-31, a category that Thabeet and the Huskies should control.

Hartford's tallest players are 6-9 Genesis Maciel and Malcolm Campbell.