Napier, Boatright lead UConn to 80-43 rout of Houston, a month after losing to Cougars

Connecticut's Phillip Nolan, bottom, passes the ball as Houston's J.J. Richardson, left, defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (The Associated Press)

Houston's TaShawn Thomas, right, blocks a shot attempt by Connecticut's Amida Brimah, as Houston's LeRon Barnes, left, defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (The Associated Press)

STORRS, Conn. – Shabazz Napier scored 19 points and Ryan Boatright added 15 as UConn routed Houston 80-43 Thursday night a month after losing to the Cougars in Texas.

Philip Nolan and Niels Giffey each added 10 points for the Huskies (17-4, 5-3 American Athletic Conference), who won for the sixth time in seven games.

Danrad Knowles had 10 points and eight rebounds to lead Houston (11-10, 3-5), which has lost five of its last six.

Connecticut jumped out to an early 18-3 lead and never looked back. The Huskies led by 29 points at halftime and stretched it out in the second half.

Connecticut was ranked 17th in the nation when it lost at Houston 75-71 on New Year's Eve in the conference opener for both teams. The Huskies fell behind by 21 points in the first half of that game.