HARTFORD, Conn. (Interstat) — The Connecticut Huskies used a dominant first-half offensive explosion to overpower the Columbia Lions 89-62 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Monday night before a crowd of 10,244 at the XL Center.

The Huskies, improving to 3-0, seized control from the opening tip, building a commanding 50-27 halftime lead. Connecticut shot a blistering 56.6 percent from the field for the game, while their defense stifled the Lions, holding them to 37.5 percent shooting and forcing 13 turnovers.

Solo Ball led all scorers with 23 points for Connecticut, showcasing an efficient all-around performance. Tarris Reed Jr. provided a powerful inside presence, adding 19 points and eight rebounds, while Alex Karaban contributed 20 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Huskies’ ball movement was sharp, with Silas Demary Jr. dishing out nine assists.

Columbia, which fell to 1-1, struggled to find an offensive rhythm against Connecticut’s relentless pressure. The Lions were led by Miles Franklin, Blair Thompson and Connor Igoe, who each scored 10 points.

The game’s statistical disparity was stark. Connecticut outscored Columbia 40-24 in the paint, 10-2 off turnovers and 11-8 on fast breaks. The Huskies also recorded nine steals and seven blocks, disrupting Columbia’s offensive sets throughout the night.

Connecticut’s offense was exceptionally efficient, scoring 89 points on just 67 possessions. Columbia managed 62 points on 72 possessions, highlighting the gap in offensive execution.

The Huskies set the tone early, opening the game on a 9-2 run and never looking back. A 10-0 run midway through the first half, capped by a Jayden Ross three-pointer, extended the lead to 20-9, and the margin continued to grow as Connecticut’s defense consistently generated transition opportunities.

Columbia will look to rebound when it hosts Massachusetts-Lowell on Thursday. Connecticut’s next test is a high-profile home matchup against Arizona on Nov. 19.