The UConn women's basketball team is leading the nation in points per game (82.8), but is also first in the country in fewest points allowed per game (46.7).

The defense was particularly noticeable in Saturday's Big East Conference victory at Cincinnati. The Huskies won 67-31 and led 41-9 at halftime, the fewest points the team has allowed in the opening half in any game this season.

"That makes us really unstoppable," UConn junior center Stefanie Dolson told The Associated Press. "We're one of those teams that our defense sparks our offense. We're able to score points in transition and play the game we like to play."

Tonight, third-ranked UConn (18-1, 5-1 Big East) meets Villanova (16-3, 5-1) at 7 p.m. at the XL Center in Hartford (SNY). UConn has won nine straight against Villanova, last losing to the Wildcats in 2004.

Villanova is coming off a 64-59 victory over Syracuse, which was receiving votes in the AP Top 25 Poll, getting career highs of six 3-pointers and 26 points from senior guard Rachel Roberts.

The Wildcats are led by senior forward Laura Sweeney with team highs in scoring (13.2 ppg), rebounding (6.9), field goal percentage (.560), steals (48) and blocks (37). Meanwhile, Roberts, a native of Marlborough who attended Mercy High School in Middletown, is second with 11.3 points per game.

UConn is led by sophomore Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis with 16.8 points per game.

- Day Staff Reports