Hartford — A disruptive defense covered up UConn's blemishes on Wednesday.

It helped deliver the Huskies a 66-56 victory and allowed them to overcome a season-high 26 turnovers, but it's not a long term strategy for success.

"Our defense is helping us win games right now," redshirt freshman Akok Akok said.

UConn (7-3) rattled Saint Peter's in the non-conference game before 7,514 fans at the XL Center, forcing 25 turnovers and limiting the Peacocks to 40 percent from the field.

The Huskies emerged from a post-exam break fog about midway through the first half to take control and build a double-digit lead.

Leading up to the game, coach Dan Hurley warned his team about Saint Peter's. His worst fears were realized.

"They're a tough team to play against because they are gritty and athletic and tough and they are relentless," Hurley said. "I just thought they were tougher than us."

The Huskies survived by relying on their defense and a balanced scoring attack. Junior Tyler Polley finished with 12 points and freshman Jalen Gaffney chipped in career bests in points (10) and assists (five).

Their bench also provided a spark, combining for 26 points after only contributing just five in a three-point loss to Indiana in their last game before exam break.

Turnover trouble continues to plague the Huskies, who've set season highs in each of the last two games. Ball security was a focus in practice after they had an alarming 22 against Indiana.

Obviously, they're still working on a solution to the problem that is affecting the entire team. Seven different players had at least three turnovers on Wednesday, with redshirt junior Alterique Gilbert accounting for five.

"A lot of work to do with our ball security right now," Hurley said. "The last two games have really been a poor reflection on my ability to get the team to be strong with the ball and make good decisions. ... We're just doing bizzare things with the ball. There's things we can do in practice. We're going to have to tighten up the leash. If you're irresponsible with the ball, you've got to come out."

Fortunately, the Huskies can turn to their reliable defense to bail them out. An active defense fueled the game's defining run midway through the first half.

They harassed the Peacocks into mistakes and bad shots, sparking a 22-4 run.

By halftime, UConn had a comfortable 40-22 edge and increased the gap to 23 early in the second half.

"Defensively, we were really good for the most part," Hurley said. "We have to be a top 35 team to have a surprisingly good season because obviously we have a ways to go. ... Defense is going to have to be our calling card."

Early on, the Huskies were on a turnover per minute pace. In the first eight minutes, they had eight turnovers, including three straight possessions, before settling down a bit.

Good thing that Saint Peters (2-5) was sloppy, too. The Peacocks had more turnovers (13) than field goals (eight) before intermission.

UConn cranked up the intensity, limiting Saint Peter's to just one field goal during a nine and a half minute stretch. Akok was a major factor, blocking five shots overall and altering several other attempts.

"Akok is a beast, man," Polley said. "Akok was good."

Freshman James Bouknight set up Akok for a dunk to break a 10-10 tie and push UConn in front for good.

The Huskies started to roll.

Senior Christian Vital's two free throws gave UConn its first double digit lead at 24-14. Bouknight's smooth finish off a fast break and his 3-pointer made it 35-16.

The Huskies remained in command the rest of the way and shot 53.5 percent overall.

It was yet another lopsided home victory for the Huskies, who improved to 5-1 while playing at the XL Center and Gampel Pavilion. Four of their wins are by double digits.

But they know the outcome might be different next time if they continue to commit turnovers at a high rate.

"It won't last," Gilbert said. "Against good teams, like Indiana, you won't win those games. That's something that we're definitely going to turn down."

g.keefe@theday.com