Associated Press
STORRS, Conn. -- Not even the nation's top teams have provided Connecticut with much of a challenge during its 54-game winning streak.
The top-ranked Huskies have made a habit of raising their game to another level, turning supposed challenges into routs.
Tina Charles scored all of her 25 points in the first half and grabbed 13 rebounds to help UConn demolish No. 7 North Carolina 88-47 on Saturday.
The streak ties one Louisiana Tech made from 1980-82 as the second-longest in Division I women's basketball history. UConn also has the longest streak, 70 straight between 2001 and 2003.
The Huskies have run through their opponents during the current streak, winning every game by at least double digits. Connecticut has really turned it on against the top 10 teams its faced, winning the nine games by an average of just over 27 points.
"It's easier to get excited for ranked teams," said Maya Moore, the reigning national player of the year. "We know that we have to be focused, and usually when we can put that pressure on ourselves and face good competition, it brings out the best in us."
Tiffany Hayes had 15 points and three players recorded double doubles for UConn. Maya Moore had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Kalana Greene added 11 points and 10 boards for the defending national champions, who are 15-0 for the third consecutive season.
She'la White scored nine to lead North Carolina (13-2), which had only lost to Michigan State before Saturday.
Last season, the Tarheels lost 88-58 at home to UConn in a 1 vs 2 showdown that sent North Carolina into a tailspin.
"I just told the players, 'Forget this game was ever played. Let's go home and get ready for the ACC,' " UNC coach Sylvia Hatchell said.
North Carolina ran with UConn early and jumped out to a 10-7 lead 3Ôªø1
