HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The UConn women's basketball team faced one of its toughest tests of the season over the past two weeks, featuring matchups against some of the top teams in the nation, including the No. 7 USC Trojans. The primetime clash was highlighted by the individual brilliance of stars JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers, who both made headlines with their performances during the encounter.
Watkins played a key role for USC, leading her team to a thrilling 72-70 win over the fourth-ranked Huskies at the XL Center on Saturday. With 25 points to her name, Watkins described it as possibly the biggest crowd she has ever played before, stating, “I think it’s a testaments to when you give women’s basketball a platform, we’re going to perform.” Her performance also served to avenge USC's earlier loss to UConn during last season's Elite Eight.
On the other side, Bueckers shone brightly with 22 points. The matchup was characterized by their back-and-forth confrontations on the court, including moments where Watkins blocked one of Bueckers' shots. Reflecting on the importance of such encounters, Bueckers remarked, “It’s very important for the game to continue to grow and have these types of matchups.” She emphasized the necessity for more marquee matchups to stimulate interest and support for women's basketball.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma expressed pride at hosting two of women’s basketball’s most recognized athletes on the same court. He noted the stark evolution of the sport, recalling the early days of UConn basketball when attendance was scarce compared to the sold-out crowd of 15,684 this time. “To drive up here and know there would be 16,000 people here plus the game on national television doesn’t seem like we’re talking about the same universe but this is what happened and where we are today,” Auriemma said.
The Huskies began their winter gauntlet strong, marking positive takeaways from their 3-2 performance over the stretch. UConn's efforts included setting new records for three-pointers made and individual points scored within single quarters. The team, currently 10-2 overall, is gearing up for its Big East schedule, with expectations to return to form as key players like Aubrey Griffin recover from injuries.
Despite the setbacks, including the recent season-ending injury to Ayanna Patterson, Auriemma noted the growth shown by his squad. Players like Ashlynn Shade, KK Arnold, and Morgan Cheli have stepped up impressively. Shade left her mark by setting the program's record for points scored within the first quarter during their game against Iowa State.
“There’s been a lot of challenges for our team since we got back from the Bahamas,” said Auriemma, expressing satisfaction with how his players handled the recent stretch. “I think for the most part, this team is resilient. We’re able to come back even in the Notre Dame game.” He believes the ability to bounce back demonstrates their growth and learning curve.
On the court, Sarah Strong has also emerged as a standout for UConn, solidifying her place as the second-best scorer on the team. Strong has demonstrated exceptional composure against tougher opponents this season. “She was so good,” said Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly about Strong's recent performance, indicating her significant impact within the team.
The recent losses exposed some flaws within UConn's strategies. Their inconsistency played a pivotal role, particularly during earlier games where they struggled to maintain momentum or offensive production. Auriemma emphasized this need for continual improvement, insisting, “We just can’t put ourselves in holes like this.”
With Big East play beginning to heat up, the Huskies are set to face their next challenge by hosting the Providence Friars, ready to showcase what they have learned from their rigorous pre-holiday slate. Auriemma and his team are optimistic about their potential as they enter the conference stage, focusing on consistency and collaboration to make successful strides through the remainder of the season.
UConn will need significant contributions from all players on the roster to achieve their goal of securing high standings within the conference and making their way back to postseason prominence. The blend of experience, youthful enthusiasm, and strategic refinement will be instrumental as the Huskies continue their campaign.
