Listening to UConn coach Geno Auriemma harp on the shortcomings of his current squad, it would be easy to assume that the freshmen-laden Huskies have tailed off considerably from the level that the Huskies played at in the last couple of years.

The numbers, however, tell a different story. Through eight games, UConn has pulled down just two fewer rebounds than it did at the same point last season. The Huskies have one more assist, have made 14 more free throws, had six more free-throw attempts and have committed 25 fewer turnovers. Defensively, the Huskies have given up three fewer field goals, two fewer 3-pointers while opponents had 19 fewer steals.

"There have been a lot of times when you look out there and it looks similar," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said after Tuesday's practice. "Similar things are happening that have been happening. I like to use the analogy that when this team is really, really good and we are capable of accomplishing things that we accomplished (last season). The biggest difference is when we aren't operating at that level, there is a huge dropoff and that is when you would obviously say 'boy we could really use an inside hoop from Tina (Charles) right about now.' Or 'let's have Kalana (Greene) create something' or we need a 3-point shooter out there like Caroline (Doty) so when we are good, we don't miss those guys but when we aren't playing well and we are struggling a little bit, not having somebody like that with a little bit of experience that has been there and done that, that's when it really shows up."

MARQUETTE UP NEXT
Other than Maya Moore being held to a career-low four points the last time UConn faced Marquette, perhaps the most memorable images from the Jan. 13 game was Auriemma instructing his team to stand in the backcourt and intentionally take 30-second shot clock violations late in the game.

Auriemma said it was a response to the uneven way the game was officiated and was not meant as a knock in any way at the way Marquette played the game.

"I don't think it was anything more physical or less physical last year," Auriemma said. "I think the officiating just didn't know what was a foul and what wasn't a foul. They didn't know what to call and what not to call so the players didn't know what to do and it got crazy. I don't think it was anything Marquette did.

I've seen her (Marquette coach Terri Mitchell) a lot since then. I don't think it had anything, I hope she knows it didn't have anything to do against Marquette or against Terri."