Collier scores 39 as UConn routs USF

TAMPA, FLA. >> No. 1 UConn isn’t impressed with another undefeated regular season.

The Huskies crave more after winning the past four national titles — 11 overall under coach Geno Auriemma.

“It’s not a big story because it’s been done so many times,” Auriemma said after Monday night’s 96-68 rout of South Florida completed a surprising run to the ninth perfect regular season in program history.

“At this point, you hate to say it,” Auriemma added, “but all we’ve done ... it’s all going to be determined (by) what happens the next four weekends.”

Napheesa Collier had a careerhigh 39 points and 12 rebounds, helping UConn (29-0, 16-0 American Athletic Conference) extend its NCAA record winning streak to 104 games.

Katie Lou Samuelson became the 44th player in program history with 1,000 career points and finished with 16 despite a cold shooting night.

With the Huskies’ star going 6 of 19 from the field, including just 3 of 12 on 3-point attempts, Collier dominated inside while making 15 of 19 shots on the way to topping 30 points for the second time in three games.

“I think Napheesa did what she’s done all season. I don’t think there’s anything different. She knows where she wants the ball, she goes to that spot and she gets it and she finishes,” Auriemma said. “She’s incredibly efficient, she’s incredibly consistent. She’s just really hard to play against. Our guys don’t normally score 39 points, that’s a lot of points.”

Gabby Williams had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Huskies, who played without injured guard Kia Nurse (right ankle) for the fourth straight game.

UConn (29-0, 16-0 American Athletic Conference) completed its ninth undefeated regular season and moved within one victory having 12 consecutive 30-win seasons. The four-time defending national champions won an earlier meeting against South Florida by 65.