STORRS, Conn. — Hasheem Thabeet had 23 points and a career-high 17 rebounds to lead No. 2 Connecticut to a season-opening 81-55 win today over Western Carolina.

The 7-foot-3 junior, who towered at least 7 inches over any defender for the Catamounts, also blocked five shots. He was 7 of 11 from the field, with most of his attempts from inside 5 feet.

Jerome Dyson also scored 23 points for the Huskies, and Jeff Adrien added 14 points and seven rebounds.

The Huskies extended their winning streak at Gampel Pavilion to 46 games in November and December, dating to the opening of the arena in 1990. UConn is 19-4 in season openers under coach Jim Calhoun.

Brandon Giles led Western Carolina with 16 points. Harouna Mutombo, nephew of NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, added 11 points.

Connecticut opened the game on a 13-0 run. It included a tomahawk dunk from Dyson, who took a steal and went the length of the court, drawing a foul. The Catamounts didn't score until Jake Robinson hit a 3-pointer just over 5 minutes into the game.

The Huskies, who led 40-25 at the break, shot 51 percent from the field, while holding Western Carolina to just 34 percent.

A.J. Price was ejected after a flagrant foul with just over 7 minutes left when he punched Joey Parker in the stomach as the two were battling for position on the left side of the lane.

Price, who tore the ACL in his left knee during UConn's loss to San Diego in the first round of the NCAA tournament, gave fans a scare in the first half. He went down after taking a 3-point shot, clutching that leg. It appeared he came down on the foot of Western Carolina's Brigham Waginger. Price received a loud ovation when he returned to the game just over 3 minutes later.

Price finished with no points and took just three shots from the field.

Freshman Kemba Walker had eight points and five assists in his first collegiate game.

The Huskies have not lost a regular season game in Storrs in November or December since Dec. 5, 1973.