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No. 8 Connecticut contines legnthy homestand vs. St. Mary's

Dec 17, 2006 - 4:18 PM Saint Marys CA (6-5) at No. 8 Connecticut (8-0) 2:00 pm EST

HARTFORD, Connecticut (Ticker) -- Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun has seen his young team take full advantage of some overmatched opponents.

The eighth-ranked Huskies look to remain unbeaten and win their 28th consecutive home game Sunday when they meet St. Mary's in their first-ever encounter.

Playing without a senior for just the second time in Calhoun's 21 seasons at Connecticut, the Huskies are averaging nearly 82 points, 10.5 blocks and 8.8 steals, while limiting their opponents to just 33 percent (159-of-485) shooting.

Under Calhoun, Connecticut has lost just four of its last 134 home contests against non-conference opponents in November and December, including 119 of its last 120. The lone defeat was against St. Bonaventure on December 28, 2001.

Jeff Adrien scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Doug Wiggins added 14 points for the Huskies, who posted a 47-31 rebounding edge in a, 81-53 triumph over Northeastern on December 6.

Calhoun can win his 742nd game to move past John Chaney into 13th place in Division I history, and move within six wins of his 500th with Connecticut.

St. Mary's has alternated wins and losses in its last eight contests and is looking for its first road victory in five attempts this season.

Diamon Simpson scored 18 points and Brett Collins added 16 for the Gaels, who shot nearly 33 percent (19-of-58) in Tuesday's 76-58 loss to Nevada.