Storrs – It was the decision of ESPN and the NCAA to showcase the No. 1 UConn women in the featured, 9 p.m. time slot Saturday night.

And to think the Huskies only entered their first-round NCAA Tournament game as a 52-point favorite.

The Huskies (33-1) provided the drama they usually do – none – and began their journey for title No. 10 with an 89-33 win over 16th-seeded and overmatched St. Francis of Brooklyn.

UConn is awarded the 9 p.m. time slot as well Monday night in their bid to reach the Sweet 16 in Albany. In the way is old friend/nemesis Rutgers, a 79-66 winner over Seton Hall in Saturday’s other game at Gampel Pavilion.

Morgan Tuck led the Huskies with a career-high 26 points (on 12-13 shooting), while Breanna Stewart had 17. Gabby Williams had 15 points (on 7-for-7 shooting) and Kia Nurse scored 12.

The Huskies shot a crisp 83 percent (20-24) in the second half, 70 for the game.