The Huskies' season began with the team ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll. College Basketball – Rankings – Rivals.com behind the University of North Carolina. Off to a quick start, UConn opened with a string of eleven straight victories over non-conference opponents, including a sweep of the Paradise Jam tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands. During this stretch, the Huskies faced three teams that were ranked in the Top 25, including No. 8 Gonzaga in an overtime thriller in Seattle. No. 2 UConn rallies past No. 8 Zags in OT
