No. 1 UConn Women’s Basketball Dominates SCSU 105-39 in Final Exhibition

Azzi Fudd leads five Huskies in double figures as defending champions showcase depth and defensive intensity ahead of season opener

HARTFORD, CT. – The top-ranked UConn women’s basketball team put on a dominant display in its final preseason tune-up, crushing Division II Southern Connecticut State 105-39 on Sunday afternoon at PeoplesBank Arena. Five Huskies scored in double digits while the defense forced 32 turnovers in a performance that sent a clear message: the defending national champions are ready to defend their title.

Graduate student Azzi Fudd led all scorers with 21 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range. Senior Serah Williams added 14 points, sophomore Allie Ziebell contributed 13, and freshman Blanca Quiñonez scored 12 points off the bench. Sophomore Sarah Strong recorded a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, showcasing her all-around game.

The victory showcased UConn’s remarkable depth, as all 13 Huskies who played scored against the Owls. The bench contributed a staggering 48 points, demonstrating the championship-caliber depth that head coach Geno Auriemma has at his disposal.

Fudd Leads Offensive Explosion

Azzi Fudd looked every bit the elite scorer who has become one of college basketball’s most dangerous weapons. The graduate student was clinical from beyond the arc, knocking down five three-pointers while playing just 23:38 minutes. She also dished out four assists and recorded five steals, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

“Fudd finished the day with 21 points” in a performance that highlighted her versatility and scoring efficiency. Her ability to create shots, knock down open looks, and facilitate for teammates makes her one of the most complete guards in the nation.

Serah Williams was equally impressive, shooting 6-of-8 from the field to finish with 14 points and five rebounds. Her efficiency in the paint and ability to finish around the rim were on full display as she added three steals to her stat line.

Bench Depth Shines Bright

One of the most encouraging signs for UConn was the performance of the second unit, which combined for 48 points and demonstrated the kind of depth that championship teams possess.

Freshman Blanca Quiñonez made a strong impression in her exhibition debut, scoring 12 points on 2-of-7 shooting while going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. The freshman showed poise beyond her years, adding three steals and three blocks while playing 20:55 minutes. Her ability to get to the line and convert, combined with her defensive activity, bodes well for her role this season.

Sophomore Allie Ziebell was outstanding off the bench, pouring in 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-6 from three-point range. Ziebell’s scoring punch provides Auriemma with a reliable offensive weapon in reserve.

Kayleigh Heckel added seven points and three assists in 14:41 minutes, while Ice Brady contributed three points, three rebounds, and two assists. Jana El Alfy made her presence felt with four points, seven rebounds, and a block in just over nine minutes of action.

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Strong’s All-Around Excellence

Sarah Strong continues to establish herself as one of the most versatile players in college basketball. The sophomore’s double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds was complemented by a team-high six assists, showcasing her ability to impact winning in multiple ways.

Strong shot 4-of-11 from the field and 1-of-4 from three-point range while adding two steals and two blocks. Her court vision and passing ability were on full display as she consistently found open teammates and facilitated UConn’s offensive flow.

Playing 19:36 minutes, Strong finished with a game-high +53 plus/minus rating, underscoring her impact whenever she was on the court.

Defensive Dominance Defines Performance

While the offensive numbers were impressive, it was UConn’s suffocating defense that truly set the tone for the blowout victory. The Huskies forced 32 turnovers from Southern Connecticut State, converting those miscues into 36 points—a staggering advantage that broke the game open early.

UConn recorded 24 steals as a team, with junior KK Arnold leading the way with six takeaways. Arnold’s defensive intensity and anticipation were on full display as she consistently disrupted SCSU’s offensive flow. She also contributed three points, two rebounds, and four assists while playing 16:23 minutes.

Azzi Fudd added five steals, Blanca Quiñonez had three, and Serah Williams chipped in three of her own. The collective defensive effort reflected the kind of team-wide commitment that has become a hallmark of UConn basketball under Geno Auriemma.

The Huskies held Southern Connecticut State to just 25.0% shooting from the field (15-of-60) and 25.0% from three-point range (6-of-24). SCSU managed only 39 points, with Taeya Steinauer leading the Owls with 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting.

Dominant in Every Phase

UConn’s superiority was evident in virtually every statistical category:

Scoring Efficiency:

• UConn: 37-of-72 (51.4%) FG, 14-of-34 (41.2%) 3PT, 17-of-20 (85.0%) FT
• SCSU: 15-of-60 (25.0%) FG, 6-of-24 (25.0%) 3PT, 3-of-4 (75.0%) FT

Turnover Battle:

• UConn forced 32 turnovers and committed just 15
• The Huskies outscored SCSU 36-7 in points off turnovers

Paint Dominance:

• UConn outscored the Owls 46-16 in the paint
• The Huskies held a 15-2 advantage in second-chance points

Fast Break Prowess:

• UConn scored 25 fast-break points compared to just 2 for SCSU
• The Huskies’ transition game was relentless, fueled by turnovers and defensive rebounds

Bench Production:

• UConn’s bench outscored SCSU’s reserves 48-21
• All 13 Huskies who played scored, demonstrating remarkable depth

Rebounding:

• UConn held a 47-36 advantage on the glass
• The Huskies grabbed 11 offensive rebounds, leading to 15 second-chance points

Ball Movement:

• UConn finished with 27 assists on 37 field goals (72.9% assisted rate)
• Sarah Strong led with six assists, followed by Azzi Fudd and KK Arnold with four each

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Setting the Tone UConn came out firing, scoring 30 points in the opening quarter while holding SCSU to just five. The Huskies shot 11-of-24 (45.8%) from the field and 4-of-10 (40.0%) from three-point range, while the Owls struggled mightily at 2-of-11 (18.2%) shooting. The 25-point first-quarter lead set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

Second Quarter: Maintaining Momentum The Huskies matched their first-quarter output with another 30-point explosion in the second period. UConn shot an even better 10-of-19 (52.6%) from the field and 5-of-12 (41.7%) from three-point range. SCSU managed 11 points but still trailed 60-16 at halftime, facing an insurmountable 44-point deficit.

Third Quarter: No Letup UConn continued to pour it on in the third quarter, scoring 29 points on scorching 10-of-16 (62.5%) shooting and 4-of-7 (57.1%) from beyond the arc. The Huskies’ ball movement and shot selection were exceptional, leading to high-percentage looks. SCSU scored 11 points, but the deficit ballooned to 89-27 heading into the final period.

Fourth Quarter: Emptying the Bench With the game well in hand, Auriemma emptied his bench in the fourth quarter, giving valuable minutes to the entire roster. UConn scored 16 points while SCSU managed 12, as the reserves maintained the intensity and professionalism that defines the program. The final margin of 66 points reflected UConn’s complete dominance from start to finish.

Individual Standouts

Azzi Fudd: 21 points (8-13 FG, 5-8 3PT), 1 rebound, 4 assists, 5 steals in 23:38 minutes

Serah Williams: 14 points (6-8 FG), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals in 16:34 minutes

Allie Ziebell: 13 points (5-10 FG, 2-6 3PT), 1 rebound in 15:16 minutes

Blanca Quiñonez: 12 points (2-7 FG, 1-5 3PT, 7-8 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 3 blocks in 20:55 minutes

Sarah Strong: 11 points (4-11 FG), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks in 19:36 minutes

Ashlynn Shade: 8 points (3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal in 18:34 minutes

Kayleigh Heckel: 7 points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3PT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals in 14:41 minutes

KK Arnold: 3 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals in 16:23 minutes

SCSU’s Effort

Despite the lopsided final score, Southern Connecticut State showed moments of competitiveness and effort. Taeya Steinauer led the Owls with 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting, while Iyanna Cotten added eight points on 3-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three-point range.

Tish Blackwood contributed six points and three assists, while Ally Sentance scored four points. The Owls struggled with turnovers, committing 32 giveaways against UConn’s relentless defensive pressure.

Playing against the nation’s top-ranked team provided valuable experience for the Division II program, even if the final score was one-sided.

Looking Ahead: Armed Forces Classic

The Huskies officially open the 2025-26 season with a marquee matchup against No. 20 Louisville in the Armed Forces Classic on Tuesday, November 4, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The game will air at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN, providing a national stage for UConn to begin its quest for a historic eighth consecutive national championship.

The matchup against Louisville will provide a significantly stiffer test than Sunday’s exhibition. The Cardinals are ranked 20th in the preseason polls and will bring a competitive, physical style that should challenge the Huskies in ways that SCSU could not.

UConn’s depth, defensive intensity, and offensive balance were all on full display against Southern Connecticut State. If the Huskies can maintain this level of execution against elite competition, they will once again be the team to beat in women’s college basketball.

The performance in front of 9,214 fans at PeoplesBank Arena showcased everything that makes UConn special: unselfish play, defensive tenacity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined the program for decades under Geno Auriemma.

With Azzi Fudd leading the way, Sarah Strong emerging as a versatile star, and a deep bench ready to contribute, the No. 1 Huskies are poised for another championship run. The journey begins in Annapolis, where UConn will look to make another statement on the national stage.

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