UConn Women’s Basketball Dominates Arkansas State in NCAA Tournament
STORRS — The No. 2 seed UConn women’s basketball team achieved one of the largest victories in NCAA Tournament history on Saturday at Gampel Pavilion, defeating No. 15 seed Arkansas State 103-34 to proceed to the second round.
Next Round Matchup
UConn will next compete against the winner of the first-round contest between 7-seed Oklahoma State and 10-seed South Dakota State on Monday night at Gampel Pavilion.
A Stellar Performance from Azzi Fudd
In her initial NCAA Tournament appearance since 2023, standout guard Azzi Fudd delivered an impressive performance, scoring a postseason career-high of 27 points with an astounding 77% shooting from the field. She also made 6-of-9 3-pointers, marking just her fifth game this season with at least five 3-pointers. Fudd topped UConn with seven assists and six steals, both of which were personal bests.
Coach Auriemma’s Insight
“Often, when players have had a long break and are thrown back into the action, they feel pressured to compensate for past missed opportunities in the NCAA tournaments,” commented coach Geno Auriemma. “It’s important for me to place Azzi in a favorable position to showcase her skills. I believe that engaging in activities beyond shooting can enhance success; focusing solely on making shots can create unnecessary pressure.”
Strong Contributions from Teammates
Fudd was supported by freshman Sarah Strong, who made a mark in her March Madness debut with her fourth consecutive double-double since the Big East Tournament. She posted 20 points with an impressive 90% shooting accuracy, along with 12 rebounds, five blocks, and five assists. Sophomore Ashlynn Shade also contributed 20 points, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, while superstar Paige Bueckers added 11 points and displayed versatility with four assists, two blocks, and two steals.
First Half Dominance
UConn quickly established their dominance, beginning the game with an impressive 22-0 run, largely fueled by Fudd’s three early 3-pointers. By the end of the first quarter, both Fudd and Strong had 13 points, shooting a combined 11-for-14. UConn’s defense was also stellar, limiting Arkansas State to just five points in the first quarter. The Huskies led 66-16 at halftime, benefiting from 27 points scored off 16 turnovers from the Red Wolves and showcasing an impressive fast-break offense.
Successful Rotation and Record-setting Performance
In a strategic move, UConn utilized its bench early, giving Caroline Ducharme her first minutes of the season, during which she contributed four points. UConn’s commanding lead allowed most starters to rest by the end of the third quarter, with the team finishing with a remarkable 58.8% shooting from the field and breaking a program record by achieving 13 team blocks. “While the talent gap was evident, we made sure to execute effectively,” remarked Auriemma, highlighting the team’s cohesive effort.
