TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Napheesa Collier had 28 points and big block down the stretch to help No. 3 UConn open its season with a 78-76 win over No. 12 Florida State on Monday night.
Saniya Chong scored 16 points and Katie Lou Samuelson added 14 as the Huskies (1-0) extended their winning streak to 76 games, which is the third-longest streak in college basketball history.
The Seminoles trailed by 65-59, but had a chance to tie it with 13.7 seconds left when Brittany Brown was fouled on a 3-point attempt by Kia Nurse. She made the first two to get within 77-76, but missed the third. The Huskies could not secure the ball and FSU (1-1) retained possession when it went out of bounds.
Shakayla Thomas then drove the lane, but her shot was blocked by Collier. Crystal Dangerfield made the first free throw, but missed the second. Imani Wright missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Wright led Florida State (1-1) with 25 points while Brown added 16 points and 10 rebounds.