In a much more complete performance than their last outing, the UConn Huskies took care of business against Merrimack in a 79-63 win in what was originally scheduled to be their exhibition opener.
Division II Merrimack is, of course, a much less challenging opponent than Providence College, but still, it was encouraging to see the way UConn controlled the game. The Huskies dominated down low, scoring 70 points in the paint and shooting 51 percent from the field overall. Big man Mamadou Diarra scored an efficient 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting in 10 minutes to go along with three rebounds.