Three days after the UConn men were beaten by New Mexico in the championship game of the Paradise Jam, the second-ranked UConn women have taken their place at St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Huskies (2-0), fresh off an impressive 81-50 victory at Texas A&M, play Wake Forest in their tournament opener today at 6 p.m. (SNY).

Unlike the men's bracket, the UConn women have three pre-determined opponents in the annual island event. The Huskies will face Marist on Friday and Purdue on Saturday. Both games start at 8:15 p.m. and will also be televised live on SNY.

Point guard Bria Hartley, who missed UConn's first two wins with a sprained ankle, is expected to make her 2011-12 debut tonight against Wake Forest, although coach Geno Auriemma said she won't start.

The Huskies' probably starting lineup includes guards Caroline Doty (7.5 ppg.) and Kelly Faris (9.5), forwards Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (17.6 points, 6.5 rebounds) and Breanna Stewart (16.0, 5.5) and center Stefanie Dolson (17.5, 7.5).

- Day Staff Reports