Except those years when UConn is on the road during Thanksgiving week, it has become something of a tradition for UConn women's basketball team to enjoy a holiday feast at the house of Huskies' women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma.

This year will be no different as the players and their families who are coming in for the three-day World Vision Classic will be heading over the the Auriemma household for dinner prepared by Auriemma's mother and wife.

"They are a fun group to have over," Auriemma said. "I know Kathy (Auriemma's wife) enjoys it. It is a huge crowd but that is what Thanksgiving is supposed to be all about. It is an easy day away from basketball, away from (home). If you can't be home, what's the next best place to be."

Before the sit down, there will be some work to be done as UConn will hold a Thanksgiving morning practice to get ready for three games in three days.

"My family is going to be up and that is exciting as well," freshman forward Samarie Walker said. "It is almost going to be like AAU playing all those games in three days."

Wednesday's practice was attended by the team from Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Howard is up first for the Huskies in the World Vision Classic as the Bison face UConn at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Gampel Pavilion.

Saadia Doyle is averaging 21.4 points per game but the rest of the Howard team is combining for just 32.2 points per game. The Bison are shooting just 35 percent fromt he floor and had committed 78 turnovers against 48 assists while opening up with a 2-3 record.