HARTFORD, Conn. (Interstat) — The Connecticut Huskies used a dominant defensive performance and a commanding first half to cruise past the Bryant Bulldogs 72-49 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Sunday at a sold-out XL Center.

A crowd of 15,495 watched the Huskies clamp down on the Bulldogs, forcing 19 turnovers and converting them into a decisive advantage. Connecticut’s defense set the tone early, holding Bryant to just 21 points in the opening period while building a 37-21 halftime lead from which the Bulldogs never recovered.

Silas Demary Jr. orchestrated the Huskies’ offense with a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 assists. His playmaking was complemented by a strong interior presence from Eric Reibe, who scored a game-high 16 points on efficient shooting. The Huskies controlled the glass, out-rebounding Bryant 14-3 on the offensive end, which led to numerous second-chance opportunities.

Bryant struggled offensively throughout the contest, shooting just 11 for 40 from the field, a frigid 27.5 percent. Despite their shooting woes, the Bulldogs found success at the free-throw line, converting 20 of 21 attempts. Timofei Rudovskii led Bryant with 11 points, while Ty Tabales added 10.

The Huskies’ defensive pressure was relentless, tallying 12 steals as a team, with Demary and others consistently disrupting Bryant’s offensive sets. Conversely, Connecticut committed only eight turnovers, showcasing a disciplined approach against the overmatched Bulldogs.

With the victory, Connecticut improves its record to 5-1 on the young season. The Huskies will next face Illinois in a high-profile matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York on Friday. Bryant falls to 1-5 and will look to regroup when they return home to host Mercy on Wednesday.