Top 25 teams have record-setting routs

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There hasn't been a day like this in women's basketball in a long, long time, with four Top 25 teams winning by at least 60 points Saturday.No. 17 Texas started the day off with a 61-point victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Next up was seventh-ranked North Carolina with a 101-38 victory over Winston-Salem State.The most shocking blowout may have come from Connecticut, which has made a habit of routing teams during its 51-game winning streak.While Texas and North Carolina demolished nonconference foes, UConn opened up its Big East season with a 67-point win over Seton Hall. The victory was the Huskies' first 60-point win over a conference opponent in seven years.Brittney Griner and fifth-ranked Baylor capped the night with a 99-18 win over Texas State.It's the first time since at least 1999-2000 that four games in one day were decided by 60 points or more, according to STATS LLC."These games are never easy to play in or coach," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. "You have to concentrate that it's done right. You never want to see scores like today. It's not good for anyone. Not good for us or them. It's difficult to be in that situation."Routing teams by incredible margins is nothing new for Connecticut. The Huskies have won every game during their streak by double figures. Coming into Saturday's game against the Pirates, UConn had won its first 11 games this season by an average of 46 points.Even when the coach has the best intentions to try and keep the game respectful it can get out of hand. Auriemma played his reserves most of the second half and the lead still increased."You got guys off the bench who want to play well," Auriemma said. "The other team is struggling to put points on the board and if you're not careful it becomes kind of ragged."Approaching the midpoint of the season, there already has been 20 games with at least a 60-point margin. There were 14 all last season.It might be difficult for that number to increase with most conferences beginning play this week. Then again, just look at what Connecticut did to Seton Hall in its Big East opener. The Huskies were up 40 at halftime and went on to a 91-24 victory.Baylor just missed out on the NCAA Division I records for fewest points allowed in a half and game in its win that was highlighted by two dunks by Griner."We would have beat a lot of teams tonight," Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said. "I don't care who we would have played tonight, this basketball team was ready to play."Lopsided games don't always help the victors get ready for their next opponent. Duke beat N.C. Central by 89 points Monday, but struggled in a 70-62 victory over Temple on Wednesday.