UConn can experience that championship feeling with a successful run this week.

The Huskies are aiming to hoist the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament trophy.

Their quest begins tonight on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, facing Michigan (2-1) in the first of three games in three days at Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Game time is 9:30 p.m.

While coach Kevin Ollie would love to win the tournament, he expects the Huskies to play like a championship is at stake on a daily basis.

The No. 18 Huskies (3-0) are a hungry bunch coming off a disappointing season that fell short of an NCAA tournament bid.

"I just hope putting on this jersey brings out something in these guys...," said Ollie before UConn left for the Bahamas. "I want to win championships every day, not just a championship there. Of course, the juices should be flowing. But juices should be flowing every night. It's not like we came off a national championship. We lost in the first round of the NIT.

"So I want these guys to practice thinking it's a championship. If they're not thinking like that, it's not good. I'm trying to push these guys. It's a process. ... If you're not hurting about last season, then something is wrong with you.

"... I don't care where we're playing; there should be a chip on our shoulder, understanding that we've got to take care of business because we don't want to have that feeling ever again."

After cruising past three weaker opponents to open the regular season, winning by an average of 29.3 points, they'll run into some stiff competition this week.

The road to the Battle 4 Atlantis championship is paved with obstacles.

Michigan, which returns nine of its top 10 scorers from a 16-16 team last season, also has something to prove. The perimeter-powered Wolverines have a star in versatile senior swingman Caris LeVert, who averages 19.3 points, five rebounds and five assists.

UConn will meet either Syracuse, a former Big East rival, or Charlotte today. Win and the Huskies will play at 3:30. Lose and they'll tip-off at 9:30.

Other potential dance partners this week include Texas, Texas A&M, Washington and No. 10 Gonzaga.

"All these guys pose a different look for us," Ollie said.

The Huskies are eager to take on a higher level of competition than in previous games.

"We're really ready to gauge where we're really at," guard Rodney Purvis said. "We've played some good teams but kind of over-matched them with talent. It will definitely be good to get out there where the challenge is equal and where we've actually got to execute and focus in on getting defensive stops."

UConn's depth will come in handy this week with the rapid fire tournament format. Ollie has regularly used 11 players in his rotation. Michigan coach John Beilein also operates with a full deck, as 11 players average at least 10.7 minutes per game.

"I really don't see us getting worn out or anything like that," Purvis said. "We've got great depth at every position. We're just going down there to have fun and bring back a championship."

In 10 previous November tournaments in the program's history, UConn has captured five championships and placed second four times.

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe

MICHIGAN vs. No. 18 UCONN 

Tip-Off: 9:30 p.m., (AXS TV)

Location: Imperial Arena, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Records: Michigan 2-1, UConn 3-0

Last game: Michigan lost to Xavier, 86-70, Friday; UConn beat Furman, 83-58, Saturday

Probable starters: Michigan, 6-1 jr. guard Derrick Walton, Jr. (10.7 4.3 rebs), 6-6 jr. guard Zak Irvin (3.5 pts), 6-6 so. guard Aubrey Dawkins (9 pts, 5 rebs), 6-7 sr. forward Caris LeVert (19.3 pts, 5 rebs, 5 assists), 6-9 jr. forward Mark Donnal (4 pts, 1.3 rebs)

UConn, 6-2 grad. guard Sterling Gibbs (15.7 pts, 2.3 assists), 6-4 r-jr. guard Rodney Purvis (14.3 pts, 4 assists), 6-7 so. forward Daniel Hamilton (8.7 pts, 8.3 rebs, 6.3 assists), 6-7 grad. forward Shonn Miller (12.7 pts, 6.3 rebs), 7-0 jr. center Amida Brimah (9.3 pts, 5.3 rebs, 4.3 blks)

Noteworthy: First of three games in three days in Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. ... Series: UConn trails, 2-1, losing last meeting, 68-63, in 2010 at Michigan. ... Nine of 10 top scorers return for Michigan from last season's 16-16 team. ... Wolverines own wins over Northern Michigan, Elon. ... Top reserve: 6-8 forward Duncan Robinson (9.3 pts, 2.7 rebs). ... Depth a plus for both teams. ... Key stat: 3-pointers. Michigan takes 22 per game, makes almost 10. ... Huskies shooting 51 percent from field, holding foes to 33.5. ... UConn sharing the ball, averaging 19.3 assists per game. ... Up next: UConn plays either Charlotte or Syracuse today. Also in the field, Texas A&M, Gonzaga, Washington and Texas.

— Gavin Keefe