UConn Women Crush Arkansas State in NCAA Opener \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The second-seeded UConn women’s basketball team dominated No. 15 seed Arkansas State with a 103-34 first-round NCAA Tournament victory. Azzi Fudd scored 27 points, leading an explosive offense that overwhelmed the Red Wolves early. UConn advances to face either Oklahoma State or South Dakota State in the second round.
UConn Women Crush Arkansas State: Quick Looks
- UConn defeated Arkansas State 103-34 in a first-round NCAA blowout.
- Azzi Fudd led the Huskies with 27 points, 21 in the first half.
- Sarah Strong impressed in her tournament debut with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
- The Huskies extended their streak to 31 consecutive NCAA opening-round wins.
- UConn led 66-16 at halftime, showcasing early dominance.
- Arkansas State struggled offensively, shooting just 17.1% from the floor.
- All-American Paige Bueckers contributed 11 points and 4 assists in limited minutes.
- Caroline Ducharme returned from injury to score her first basket in under a minute.
- UConn recorded 41 fast-break points and forced 20 turnovers.
- The Huskies will face either Oklahoma State or South Dakota State next.
Deep Look
The second-seeded UConn Huskies wasted no time making a statement in their 2024 NCAA Tournament debut, dismantling No. 15 seed Arkansas State 103-34 in a one-sided first-round clash on Saturday. The Huskies’ explosive start left no room for drama, as they ripped off 22 unanswered points following Arkansas State’s opening basket and took a commanding 66-16 lead by halftime.
Fudd Shines Early and Often
Azzi Fudd stole the spotlight, scoring 27 points in just 22 minutes of play, with 21 of those points coming before halftime. In addition to her offensive fireworks, Fudd contributed six steals and seven assists, showcasing the all-around game that makes her one of the most dynamic players in college basketball.
“Coach (Geno Auriemma) challenged me to take more risks,” Fudd said postgame. “I’ve been trying to jump passing lanes and be more aggressive, and today it really paid off. He always says, ‘You’ll be surprised how many times they just throw it right to you,’ and today they did.”
Strong’s Impressive Debut
Freshman sensation Sarah Strong added her name to UConn’s growing list of March heroes, delivering a powerful double-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks. Her confidence and poise in her first NCAA Tournament game impressed fans and teammates alike, setting the tone for what could be a special postseason run.
Ashlynn Shade came off the bench to contribute 20 points, further demonstrating UConn’s impressive depth and scoring versatility.
Paige Bueckers Plays Supporting Role
All-American Paige Bueckers didn’t need to shoulder the scoring load with her teammates firing on all cylinders. She finished with a quiet but efficient 11 points and four assists in 22 minutes, preserving energy for Monday’s second-round matchup. With the game well in hand by halftime, Bueckers focused on ball movement and facilitating the offense.
Arkansas State Overwhelmed
Arkansas State’s struggles were apparent from the opening minutes. Crislyn Rose scored the game’s first basket, but it would be the Red Wolves’ lone highlight in a contest dominated by UConn. The Red Wolves shot a dismal 17.1% from the field and went just 6-of-40 from three-point range. Rose led Arkansas State with seven points, but the team was unable to crack UConn’s suffocating defense.
Geno Auriemma’s Reflections
Despite the blowout victory, head coach Geno Auriemma admitted that the long layoff since their last game — nearly two weeks — had been challenging.
“This is the only time all year where you have that much time off,” Auriemma said. “We had some awful practices during that break. But you could tell they were itching to play. Yesterday’s practice and today’s shoot-around had a totally different energy.”
The Huskies responded to that pent-up energy with relentless pressure and offensive firepower, finishing the game with 41 fast-break points and 34 points off 20 forced turnovers.
A Special Moment for Caroline Ducharme
One of the most emotional highlights of the night came when Caroline Ducharme, who missed most of the season with a concussion, checked into the game late in the second quarter. The crowd erupted in applause as she returned to NCAA Tournament play for the first time since 2023.
In true storybook fashion, Ducharme made her first basket just 37 seconds after stepping onto the court.
“Azzi passed up an open shot and told me, ‘If you touch it, you better shoot it,’” Ducharme shared. “At first, it felt weird being in that position where people are encouraging me so strongly. But they reminded me that I’ve worked hard for this moment and deserve it.”
Hitting Triple Digits — Again
Jana El Alfy’s free throw with just over three minutes remaining pushed UConn over the 100-point mark for the 12th time in program history during an NCAA Tournament opener. Remarkably, the Huskies have scored over 100 points in six of their last nine games, signaling that they are firing on all cylinders heading into the tournament’s crucial rounds.
The offensive clinic against Arkansas State underscores why UConn remains a perennial favorite to contend for its 12th national title.
What’s Next for UConn
The Huskies now prepare to face the winner of Saturday night’s matchup between Oklahoma State and South Dakota State in Monday’s second round at Gampel Pavilion. Given their dominant performance, UConn will enter the game as heavy favorites, but Coach Auriemma remains cautious.
“We played great tonight, but every game is a new challenge,” he said. “We’ll get back to work, scout our next opponent, and make sure we’re ready to bring this same energy Monday night.”
Final Thoughts: A Team Poised for Another Deep Run
UConn’s opening-round performance was a reminder of why they continue to be one of the most feared programs in women’s college basketball. With a lineup that blends experienced leaders like Paige Bueckers and rising stars like Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, the Huskies have both the talent and the chemistry to go deep in the tournament.
Fans at Gampel Pavilion left the arena Saturday night buzzing with excitement, and the team will have another opportunity to electrify the home crowd on Monday.
As the Huskies look ahead to tougher challenges, one thing is clear: Geno Auriemma’s team is locked in, confident, and hungry for another championship run.
UConn Women Crush UConn Women Crush
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