Life as defending national champion has its share of challenges.

UConn quickly found that out in its season opener Friday, grinding out a tough win against Bryant University after trailing by nine points in the second half.

More teams are lining up for a hefty cut at knocking down the Huskies in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, an eight-team tournament that runs today through Sunday at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan.

"We're going to play some good teams," senior Ryan Boatright said. "We just won a national championship, so we've going to get everybody's best shot. We're not going to blow everybody out, so we've got to have the resiliency and stay together and grind out those tough wins."

First up is College of Charleston (1-1), which plays No. 17 UConn (1-0) at 12:30 p.m. today in first-round action. The Huskies' next opponent will be either Texas A&M or Dayton, an NCAA tournament team last season, on Friday afternoon. After a break on Saturday, the championship and consolation games are set for Sunday.

The Huskies are the only ranked program in the field that also includes Boston College, George Mason, West Virginia and New Mexico on the other side of the bracket.

"Puerto Rico is going to be a big challenge for us," sophomore Terrence Samuel said. "We've just got to accept it. We've got three games in four nights. We've just got to be ready."

Right now, their focus is locked in on College of Charleston. Coach Earl Grant, a former Clemson assistant, was hired in early September to replace Doug Wojcik, who was fired after allegations of verbal abuse surfaced.

The Cougars returned two starters from a team that went 14-18 overall season. They're picked to finish sixth in the Colonial Athletic Association preseason poll.

“They are a good team," UConn coach Kevin Ollie said. "They're going to be a defensive minded team. ... I just know they're going to be well-prepared. He's a great young coach, and we're going to have to have our hands all on deck and be ready to play a full 40 minutes. Hopefully, our guys understand that."

"… I know it's going to be a good test for us."

Something about competing for a trophy typically brings out the best in the Huskies, who are 25-4 in their previous nine early-season tournaments. They've captured five titles and finished second three times.

Today's game will mark the UConn debut of guard Rodney Purvis, who was suspended for the season opener for violating an NCAA rule regarding summer league play. A transfer from North Carolina State, he will likely step into the starting lineup. Junior reserve Omar Calhoun (knee) remains sidelined but hasn't been ruled out for the entire tournament.

Ollie was asked on Wednesday what the three most important things that he'd like his team to accomplish in Puerto Rico.

"Playing at a level five each possession," said Ollie on the tournament web site. "That's playing with intensity, playing with a championship mindset. I want to make sure we outrebound our opponents and that we out-will our opponents."

College of Charleston knows all about playing the defending national champion, losing at Louisville 70-48 in last season's opener.

Coming off a loss to Gardner-Webb on Monday, Grant has his players' attention.

"It might be easier to prepare for them now, because we now know we can be beat," Grant said on the school's web site about UConn after Monday's loss. "We have to be sharp. ... You go to these tournaments to win, not just to enjoy it. You have to approach the first game like you want to win it."

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe

UConn vs. College of Charleston

Location: Coliseo Roberto Clemente, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Tip: 12:30 p.m. (ESPNU).

Records: UConn 1-0, Charleston 1-1.

Last game: UConn beat Bryant 66-53, Friday; Charleston lost to Gardner-Webb 80-67, Monday.

Probable starters: UConn, 6-0 sr. guard Ryan Boatright (24 pts, 8 rebs), 6-4 rs so. guard Rodney Purvis (1st game), 6-7 fr. forward Daniel Hamilton (9 pts, 7 rebs), 6-9 so. forward Kentan Facey (5 pts, 11 rebs), 7-0 so. center Amida Brimah (12 pts, 5 rebs, 5 blks).

Charleston, 6-3 so. guard Joe Chealey (11 pts), 6-1 sr. guard Anthony Stitt (15.5 pts), 6-6 so. guard Canyon Barry (7.5 pts, 6 rebs), 6-7 so. forward Terrance O'Donohue (0 pts, 1.5 rebs), 6-9 sr. forward Adjehi Baru (13 pts, 10 rebs).

Noteworthy: UConn leads series 2-0, winning last meeting 77-60 in Ray Allen's homecoming game in Charleston on Dec. 27, 1995. ... Dating back to last season, Huskies won seven straight. ... Purvis makes UConn debut. ... Barry, who shoots free throws underhanded like his father, NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry, and Chealey made All-CAA rookie team last year. ... Player to watch: Baru, a rebounding force and preseason 2nd team All-CAA pick. ... Top reserve: Fr. forward Donovan Gilmore (11 pts, 7.5 rebs). ... Huskies own a combined 76-45 record against seven other teams in field. ... Out: UConn jr. Omar Calhoun (knee). ... Up next: UConn will play either Texas A&M or Dayton Friday afternoon.

- Gavin Keefe