DURHAM, N.C. — Geno Auriemma and his Connecticut Huskies always seem to thrive on the big stage.

Tuesday night was no different as the No. 1 team in the country turned its latest showdown into another rout, beating second-ranked Duke 83-61.

“I think these are the reasons we come to Connecticut, to play in the big games,” said Breanna Stewart, who led the Huskies with 24 points and 11 rebounds. “We have a huge target on our back and teams will always give us their best run. That’s what you want as a competitor.”

The victory over Duke was the Huskies’ fourth over a ranked team this season. They’ve beaten Stanford, Maryland and Penn State with relative ease, with each game decide. UConn has always excelled in 1-2 matchups, winning 15 of the 18 games they’ve played in.

UConn’s first three wins came with the Huskies (11-0) not at full strength. Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis has an injured elbow.