Freshman Phenom Records Near Triple-Double as Huskies Erase One-Point Deficit with Dominant 52-27 Run Over Final 30 Minutes
HARTFORD, Conn. – Sarah Strong put on a clinic Sunday afternoon at the XL Center, recording 29 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and three blocked shots to lead top-ranked UConn to a dominant 100-68 victory over Ohio State. The freshman phenom’s near triple-double performance highlighted a second-half onslaught that saw the Huskies outscore the Buckeyes 52-27 over the final 30 minutes to remain undefeated at 4-0.
Azzi Fudd added 19 points and seven assists, freshman Blanca Quinonez came off the bench to score 18 points, and Serah Williams contributed 12 for the Huskies, who turned a one-point deficit late in the first quarter into a 32-point blowout in front of 14,115 fans.
For Ohio State (2-1), Jaloni Cambridge led the way with 17 points and six rebounds, but the Buckeyes couldn’t sustain their early momentum. After trailing by just one point late in the opening quarter, Ohio State collapsed under UConn’s relentless defensive pressure and offensive execution, committing nine turnovers in the final 5:03 of the first half and failing to score a field goal over the final 6:06 before halftime.
The victory was particularly sweet for UConn, which avenged a painful 2023 NCAA Tournament loss to Ohio State that ended the Huskies’ streak of 16 consecutive Elite Eight appearances and 13 straight trips to the Final Four.
Sarah Strong’s Dominant All-Around Performance
Freshman Phenom Delivers in Every Facet
Sarah Strong’s stat line reads like a video game performance: 29 points on 12-of-17 shooting, 13 rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and three blocked shots in just 32 minutes. The freshman forward was unstoppable, dominating on both ends of the floor and showcasing the versatility that made her one of the most highly touted recruits in the country.
Strong’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways was on full display. She scored efficiently from all three levels, facilitated for her teammates with pinpoint passing, crashed the glass on both ends, and disrupted Ohio State’s offense with her length and anticipation. Her plus-41 rating was the highest on the court, underscoring her overwhelming impact on the game.
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Second-Half Takeover Seals Victory
Strong saved her best for when it mattered most. During UConn’s dominant 52-27 run over the second and third quarters, Strong recorded 21 points, five assists, and four steals. She was the catalyst for every UConn run, whether it was scoring in transition, setting up teammates for open looks, or creating turnovers that led to easy baskets.
Her ability to take over the game in the second half was reminiscent of UConn greats who have come before her. Strong didn’t just score—she controlled the tempo, dictated matchups, and imposed her will on Ohio State’s defense. By the time the third quarter ended, the game was effectively over, and Strong had put on a performance that will be remembered as one of the best of the early season.
Efficient Scoring and Playmaking
Strong’s 12-of-17 shooting (70.6%) was a testament to her shot selection and ability to get high-quality looks. She didn’t force anything, instead letting the game come to her and making the right play every time down the floor. Her seven assists demonstrated her court vision and willingness to make her teammates better, while her five steals and three blocks showcased her defensive versatility.
For a freshman to deliver this kind of complete performance against a quality opponent like Ohio State is remarkable. Strong is already playing like a seasoned veteran, and if this is what she’s capable of in November, the rest of the country should be on notice.
Azzi Fudd Shakes Off Slow Start to Deliver
First-Quarter Struggles Give Way to Second-Quarter Explosion
Azzi Fudd’s performance was a tale of two halves. The senior guard missed all five of her shots in the first quarter, struggling to find her rhythm as Ohio State’s defense focused on limiting her touches and contesting her looks. But Fudd, a proven scorer and one of UConn’s most experienced players, didn’t let the slow start affect her confidence.
In the second quarter, Fudd caught fire, connecting on three 3-pointers as part of UConn’s game-changing run. Her ability to shake off the early struggles and deliver when her team needed her most was a testament to her mental toughness and experience. Fudd finished 7-of-16 from the field and 5-of-9 from three-point range, adding seven assists to her 19-point performance.
Facilitating and Scoring in Perfect Balance
Fudd’s seven assists matched Strong’s total, highlighting her ability to impact the game as both a scorer and playmaker. She consistently made the right read, whether it was pulling up for a three, driving to the rim, or finding open teammates for easy baskets. Her plus-36 rating was second only to Strong, underscoring her importance to UConn’s dominant performance.
Fudd’s ability to bounce back from a rough first quarter and take over in the second was crucial to UConn’s momentum shift. Her three-pointer barrage helped the Huskies build a double-digit lead, and once UConn got rolling, there was no stopping them.
Blanca Quinonez Provides Instant Offense Off the Bench
Freshman Sparkplug Scores 18 Points in 22 Minutes
Freshman Blanca Quinonez was a revelation off the bench, scoring 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting in just 22 minutes. Quinonez provided instant offense whenever she checked in, attacking the rim with confidence and knocking down open shots when Ohio State’s defense collapsed on Strong and Fudd.
Quinonez’s efficiency was remarkable. She didn’t force anything, instead playing within the flow of the offense and taking advantage of the opportunities created by UConn’s ball movement and spacing. Her plus-17 rating was among the best on the team, and her ability to contribute immediately as a freshman speaks to her readiness for the college game.
Depth and Versatility on Display
Quinonez’s performance highlighted UConn’s incredible depth. With Strong, Fudd, and Quinonez all capable of scoring in bunches, the Huskies have multiple offensive weapons that can take over games. Quinonez’s ability to come off the bench and provide instant offense gives head coach Geno Auriemma tremendous flexibility in his rotations.
Ohio State’s First-Half Collapse
Hot Start Fizzles as Turnovers Mount
Ohio State came out firing, making four of their first five 3-pointers and building a brief lead in the first quarter. The Buckeyes shot 66.7% from the field and 66.7% from three-point range in the opening quarter, scoring 24 points and keeping pace with UConn’s high-powered offense.
But the wheels fell off in the final five minutes of the first half. Ohio State committed nine turnovers in the final 5:03 of the second quarter and failed to score a field goal over the final 6:06 before halftime. The Buckeyes’ inability to take care of the ball and execute offensively allowed UConn to seize control of the game.
Defensive Breakdowns and Offensive Stagnation
Ohio State’s defense had no answers for Strong, Fudd, and UConn’s balanced attack. The Huskies scored 54 points in the paint, 37 points off turnovers, and 27 fast-break points, overwhelming the Buckeyes with their speed, size, and execution. Ohio State’s 24 turnovers were the primary culprit, as UConn’s defensive pressure forced mistake after mistake.
Offensively, Ohio State couldn’t sustain its early success. After shooting 66.7% in the first quarter, the Buckeyes shot just 22.2% in the second quarter, going 2-of-9 from the field and 0-of-4 from three-point range. The offensive stagnation allowed UConn to build a commanding halftime lead, and Ohio State never recovered.
Three-Point Drought Proves Costly
After making four of their first five 3-pointers, Ohio State missed seven consecutive attempts from beyond the arc. By the time T’yana Todd ended the drought with a late three-pointer, UConn still led by 28 points. The Buckeyes finished 8-of-25 (32.0%) from three-point range, a significant drop from their blistering start.
UConn’s Dominant Second and Third Quarters
8-0 Run to Start Second Quarter Sets Tone
UConn opened the second quarter with an 8-0 run, extending their lead and forcing Ohio State into desperation mode. The Huskies’ defensive intensity ramped up, and their offensive execution was flawless. Strong, Fudd, and the supporting cast took turns attacking Ohio State’s defense, and the Buckeyes had no answers.
The 8-0 run was part of a larger 23-6 second-quarter performance that saw UConn outscore Ohio State by 17 points in the frame. The Huskies shot 57.1% from the field and 71.4% from three-point range in the second quarter, while Ohio State managed just two field goals.
11-0 Run to Close First Half
UConn ended the first half on an 11-0 run, building a 50-30 halftime lead and effectively putting the game out of reach. The Huskies’ ability to finish the half strong was a testament to their conditioning, execution, and mental toughness. Ohio State, meanwhile, looked rattled and overwhelmed, unable to stop the bleeding as UConn poured it on.
Third-Quarter Dominance Seals Victory
The third quarter was more of the same. UConn outscored Ohio State 29-21, with Strong continuing to dominate and the Huskies’ depth wearing down the Buckeyes. By the end of the third quarter, UConn led 79-51, and the fourth quarter was merely a formality.
UConn’s 52-27 advantage over the second and third quarters was the difference in the game. The Huskies’ ability to sustain their intensity and execution over 20 minutes of basketball was a clinic in championship-level play.
Jaloni Cambridge Leads Ohio State in Defeat
17 Points, Six Rebounds, But Not Enough
Jaloni Cambridge did everything she could to keep Ohio State competitive, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds, and three steals in 34 minutes. Cambridge was Ohio State’s most consistent offensive threat, attacking the rim and creating opportunities for her teammates. But her seven turnovers were costly, and she couldn’t single-handedly overcome UConn’s balanced attack.
Cambridge’s plus-minus of minus-33 reflected Ohio State’s struggles when she was on the floor. Despite her individual production, the Buckeyes were overwhelmed by UConn’s depth and execution.
Supporting Cast Struggles to Contribute
T’yana Todd added 12 points off the bench, and Kennedy Cambridge chipped in 10 points, but Ohio State’s supporting cast couldn’t provide enough offensive firepower to keep pace with UConn. The Buckeyes’ bench scored just 21 points compared to UConn’s 30, and the lack of secondary scoring proved decisive.
UConn’s Balanced Attack and Depth
Six Players Score in Double Figures
UConn’s depth was on full display, with six players scoring at least 10 points. In addition to Strong (29), Fudd (19), Quinonez (18), and Williams (12), Ashlynn Shade added 10 points and KK Arnold contributed five assists and five steals despite not scoring. The Huskies’ ability to get contributions from multiple players makes them incredibly difficult to defend.
Dominating in Every Statistical Category
UConn dominated Ohio State in nearly every statistical category:
- Points in the paint: 54-28
- Points off turnovers: 37-13
- Fast-break points: 27-12
- Bench points: 30-21
- Assists: 30-7
The Huskies’ 30 assists on 39 field goals demonstrated their unselfish play and ball movement. UConn’s ability to share the ball and create open looks for teammates is a hallmark of Geno Auriemma’s system, and it was on full display Sunday.
Shooting Efficiency Across the Board
UConn shot 52.0% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range, and 90.9% from the free-throw line. The Huskies’ efficiency in all three areas was a testament to their shot selection and execution. Ohio State, by comparison, shot 45.8% from the field, 32.0% from three-point range, and 66.7% from the free-throw line.
Avenging 2023 NCAA Tournament Loss
Painful Memory Erased with Dominant Performance
UConn’s 100-68 victory was particularly satisfying given the history between these two programs. In the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Ohio State defeated UConn to snap the Huskies’ streak of 16 consecutive Elite Eight appearances and 13 straight trips to the Final Four. The loss was one of the most painful in recent UConn history, and Sunday’s blowout victory provided a measure of revenge.
While this was just a regular-season game and not a tournament matchup, the Huskies’ dominant performance sent a clear message: UConn is back, and they’re ready to reclaim their place atop women’s college basketball.
WNBA Coaches in Attendance
Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, Toronto Tempo Represented
Several WNBA head coaches were in attendance to watch the top-ranked Huskies in action. Jose Fernandez of the Dallas Wings, Rachid Meziane of the Connecticut Sun, and Sandy Brondello of the expansion Toronto Tempo were among the coaches scouting UConn’s talent.
The presence of WNBA coaches underscores the level of talent on UConn’s roster. With players like Strong, Fudd, and several other future pros, the Huskies are a must-watch for professional scouts looking for the next generation of WNBA stars.
Improving to 4-0
Undefeated Start Continues
UConn’s victory improved the Huskies to 4-0 on the season, continuing their undefeated start under head coach Geno Auriemma. The Huskies have now won four consecutive games by an average margin of 30.5 points, showcasing their dominance over the early-season competition.
With Strong emerging as a superstar, Fudd returning to form, and the supporting cast contributing at a high level, UConn looks like a legitimate national championship contender. The Huskies’ depth, versatility, and championship pedigree make them the team to beat in women’s college basketball.
The Takeaway
UConn’s 100-68 demolition of Ohio State was a statement performance. Sarah Strong’s 29-point, 13-rebound, seven-assist, five-steal, three-block masterpiece was one of the best individual performances of the early season, and it highlighted the freshman phenom’s potential to be one of the best players in the country.
Azzi Fudd’s ability to shake off a slow start and deliver 19 points and seven assists demonstrated her veteran leadership and scoring prowess. Blanca Quinonez’s 18 points off the bench showcased UConn’s incredible depth, and the Huskies’ balanced attack proved too much for Ohio State to handle.
For Ohio State, the loss was a harsh reminder of the gap between good teams and elite teams. The Buckeyes started strong but couldn’t sustain their execution or handle UConn’s defensive pressure. The 24 turnovers and second-half collapse exposed areas that need improvement if Ohio State hopes to compete with the nation’s best.
For UConn, this was a dominant performance that should put the rest of the country on notice. The Huskies are 4-0, playing championship-level basketball, and have the talent, depth, and coaching to make a deep run in March. If Sarah Strong continues to play at this level, UConn will be incredibly difficult to beat.
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