Azzi Fudd erupts for 20 points with five third-quarter threes as defending champions tune up for title defense
UNCASVILLE, CT – The UConn Huskies put on a championship-caliber performance at Mohegan Sun Arena on Monday afternoon, defeating the Boston College Eagles 84-67 in the Basketball Hall of Fame exhibition game. Led by a scorching shooting display from Azzi Fudd and dominant performances from Sarah Strong and newcomer Serah Williams, the defending national champions showed they’re ready to chase a seventh repeat in school history.
Fudd Catches Fire in Third Quarter
Azzi Fudd stole the show with a blistering 20-point performance, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range in the third quarter alone. The junior guard added four assists, three rebounds, and two steals in what can only be described as a statement performance.
“Today was so much fun! I mean, to get to go out here against another opponent that’s not each other, not our practice guys, it was so much fun to be able to play with each other and cheer each other on,” Fudd said after the game.
When asked what it will take to repeat as national champions, Fudd emphasized the team’s day-by-day approach: “I think right now we’re focused on winning the day, winning the week, winning what’s right ahead of us, and that’s ultimately what’s gonna get us to that point.”
Strong and Williams Dominate Inside
Sophomore Sarah Strong continued her impressive development, posting 17 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting while adding five rebounds and five assists. Strong’s smooth jump shot and patient post play drew praise from the broadcast team.
“Sarah Strong with the answer—so calm and so patient,” commentators noted during the game.
In her UConn debut, senior transfer Serah Williams made an immediate impact with 15 points, five rebounds, and a commanding presence in the paint. Williams’ ability to finish inside and control the glass gave the Huskies a physical edge throughout the contest.
Huskies’ Defense Forces 21 Turnovers
UConn’s defensive pressure proved overwhelming for Boston College, forcing 21 turnovers that led to 29 points for the Huskies. The Eagles struggled to handle UConn’s full-court pressure and various defensive looks, managing just 21 made field goals—the same number as their turnovers.
“This BC team, if this is how they’re going to play throughout the regular season, they have a lot to work with because they’re feisty, competitive, and just getting after it,” analysts observed, praising the Eagles’ effort despite the loss.
Boston College Shows Fight Despite Loss
Despite the 17-point defeat, Boston College showed promise in its first look under the lights. The Eagles, featuring just two returning players, pushed the tempo and kept the game competitive through three quarters.
Teionni McDaniel led Boston College with 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Amirah Anderson added 10 points, while Ava McGee contributed eight points and six rebounds.
Boston College’s guard play impressed observers, with the team hitting 10 three-pointers and showing a fast-paced brand of basketball that could cause problems in ACC play.
Key Stats and Highlights
UConn’s Offensive Efficiency:
- Shot 49.3% from the field (34-69)
- Made 10-of-28 three-pointers (35.7%)
- Dominated the paint with 36 points
- Scored 29 points off turnovers
Boston College’s Bright Spots:
- Shot 38.9% from the field (21-54)
- Hit 10-of-28 from three-point range (35.7%)
- Scored 21 fast-break points
- Bench contributed 36 points
Game-Changing Third Quarter: UConn outscored Boston College 27-19 in the third quarter, with Fudd’s five three-pointers igniting a 71.4% shooting performance from the field for the period. The Huskies shot 6-of-8 from three-point range in the quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Huskies News:
Depth on Display
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma utilized his deep roster, with 14 players seeing action. KK Arnold contributed six points and four assists while running the point, and Ashlynn Shade added nine points with solid perimeter shooting.
“This may be your starting lineup today, but it might not be tomorrow,” commentators noted, highlighting Auriemma’s willingness to experiment with different combinations.
Blanca Quinonez provided a spark off the bench with four points, four assists, and active defense, while Allie Ziebell chipped in five points.
Looking Ahead
The exhibition provided valuable lessons for both programs as they prepare for the regular season. For UConn, the focus remains on building chemistry and refining rotations.
“There’s so many people on this team; it’s really just figuring out who you’re in, who you’re on the court with in that specific lineup because there’s so many we can have,” Fudd explained. “Figuring out what each other likes, building that chemistry, is really what it’s gonna take.”
UConn will host one more exhibition against Southern Connecticut on October 26 at PeoplesBank Arena before opening the season against Louisville on November 4 in the Armed Forces Classic at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Boston College will look to build on the positives from this performance as they prepare for their ACC schedule, with their fast-paced, competitive style showing promise for the season ahead.
Game Notes
- Attendance:Â 6,012 at Mohegan Sun Arena
- Officials:Â Brenda Patoja, Mark Resch, Linda Miles
- Game Duration:Â 1:58
- First Meeting:Â This was the first matchup between the programs in 20 years, dating back to 2005
- UConn’s Biggest Lead:Â 26 points (4th quarter, 4:59)
- Lead Changes:Â 1
- Times Tied:Â 1
The Huskies’ 12th national championship banner still hangs fresh, but the quest for a 13th—and a historic seventh consecutive title—is officially underway.
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