Smith scores 22 in UConn's 94-66 romp over UMKC

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Tarin Smith scored 22 points to lead UConn over Missouri-Kansas City 94-66 Sunday at Gampel Pavilion.

The fifth-year senior guard shot 10 for 12 from the field to lead the Huskies (2-0). Smith transferred to UConn from Duquesne, where he was the Atlantic-10 Sixth Man of the Year last season.

Jalen Adams had 20 points, Alterique Gilbert 12 and Christian Vital added 10 rebounds. The last time UConn scored at least 90 points in a game was Feb. 8, 2017 when it beat South Florida 97-51.

Danny Dixon led UMKC (0-3) with 15 points.

Tied 12-12, UConn used a 23-3 run to take control and led 50-33 at the half. The Huskies only held a double-digit lead at halftime once last season, which was a 35-23 edge against South Florida.

Eight of the nine Huskies who played scored at least a basket in the half. Smith shot 7 of 9 from the field and had 15 points off the bench. UConn had only 18 bench points in its opening win against Morehead State.

The Huskies scored 13 points off UMKC's seven turnovers and picked up 14 fastbreak points.

UMKC, which was playing its third straight road game, held its last lead at 10-9 at 16:01.

After shooting 53 percent in the first half, UConn cooled off in the second, making just 2 of 13 attempts in the opening seven-plus minutes. UMKC was only able to cut its deficit to 58-43 during that stretch before UConn's offense awoke.

BIG PICTURE

UMKC: The Kangaroos lost their third straight game against a major program and continue to look for their first win of the season.

UConn: After opening 2-0 at home under first-year head coach Dan Hurley, the opponents will get stronger for the Huskies in the 2K Empire Classic in New York.

UP NEXT

UMKC: Plays Morehead State on Thursday in Cheney, Wash.

UConn: Plays Syracuse on Thursday in New York