UConn Women Dominate in NCAA Tournament Opener with 103-34 Victory

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — The UConn women’s basketball team overwhelmed Arkansas State 103-34 in their NCAA Tournament opener on Saturday, showcasing their strengths as the No. 2 seed.

The Huskies set the tone early, outscoring the Red Wolves 34-5 in the first quarter. With this performance, they achieved one of the largest victories in NCAA tournament history, marking their 31st consecutive first-round win.

Graduate student Azzi Fudd and freshman Sarah Strong were the standout players for UConn, together scoring 47 points. Fudd led the way with 27 points, seven assists, and six steals, while Strong added 20 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks in her NCAA Tournament debut.

“I had a lot of fun,” said Fudd, who noted the significance of playing at home with a supportive crowd. “It felt great to be out there, especially since it’s tournament time.”

Coach Geno Auriemma highlighted the pressure players often feel when returning from injuries, saying, “For me, it’s about putting Azzi in a position she likes and letting her do what she does best.” Fudd’s exceptional performance included becoming the first player in the past six tournaments with 20 points, five assists, and five steals in any half.

The game was punctuated by UConn’s defensive prowess, forcing Arkansas State into 16 turnovers in the first half alone, which resulted in 27 points for the Huskies. UConn shot 58.8% from the field, compared to Arkansas State’s 17%.

During the first half, UConn established a substantial lead of 66-16, with Fudd contributing 21 points. This halftime score marked the second-largest halftime lead in NCAA Tournament history.

Strong’s debut was equally impressive. “I just wanted to be the energy for the team,” she said. Her scoring burst included a remarkable shooting percentage of 90% from the field.

UConn’s balance continued as sophomore Paige Bueckers and Shade added 20 and 11 points respectively. With such a commanding lead, most starters played limited minutes, none exceeding 22 minutes on the floor.

The win showcased UConn’s ability to execute under pressure, a critical factor they will need to replicate in their upcoming matchup against South Dakota State, who secured a victory against Oklahoma State in their first-round game. The Huskies will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the next challenge in the tournament.

“It’s not a time to get complacent,” Fudd cautioned, echoing Auriemma’s sentiments that their current performance must improve going forward.

As the competition heats up, UConn’s mix of experience and emerging talent will be crucial as they aim for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.