Huskies Make a Statement at Barclays Center
Brooklyn, NY — No. 1 UConn delivered a resounding statement to the college basketball world, dismantling No. 11 Iowa 90-64 in the Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center. Azzi Fudd’s 27 points and Sarah Strong’s 23 powered the Huskies (12-0) to their fourth win over a ranked opponent this season and kept their perfect record intact heading into the holidays.
Defensive Identity Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, UConn’s suffocating defense and relentless energy overwhelmed the Hawkeyes. “Our goal every game is to disrupt what the other team is doing and what they want to accomplish on offense,” said Sarah Strong. “We want to have a defensive identity, get in the passing lanes, make things hard for the other team, and trust each other to help and rotate.”
The Huskies forced 26 turnovers and racked up 17 steals, never letting Iowa find a rhythm. Head coach Geno Auriemma praised his team’s commitment: “We’re back to playing the way I like to play—defense, intensity, and everyone buying in. You either play like this or you’re not going to get as many minutes. It helps us in a lot of ways.”
Strong and Fudd Lead the Charge
UConn built a 22-12 lead after one quarter, but it was Strong’s electric first half—20 points and five steals—that set the tone. She sparked a 10-2 run midway through the second quarter with a coast-to-coast layup after a steal, helping the Huskies take a 42-31 halftime lead. “It’s all about our defense and trusting each other. That’s what gets us going,” Strong said.
Huskies News:
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After halftime, Fudd took center stage, scoring 21 of her 27 points in the second half. “At any moment, anyone can go off and make shots,” Fudd said. “We do a great job playing unselfish basketball and just reading what the defense gives us. So many of my looks come from stops on defense and our pace in transition.”
Freshman Impact and Team Depth
Freshman Blanca Quinonez continued her rapid rise, contributing 10 points and five assists. “You can tell she’s played pro basketball overseas,” Auriemma said. “Her confidence and defensive intensity have been a huge boost. She’s so talented on both ends, and I’m most proud of how she’s embraced our defensive standards.”
Fudd emphasized the team’s collective confidence: “It’s such a game changer to have that constant reassurance from your teammates. If you miss a shot, they’re in your ear saying, ‘Keep shooting, next one’s going in.’ That’s what makes us special.”
Numbers That Tell the Story
UConn shot 52.2% from the field and buried 13 threes, while holding Iowa to just 64 points—well below their season average. The Huskies scored 41 points off turnovers and dominated the paint, transition, and bench production.
By the Numbers:
- UConn: 36-69 FG (52.2%), 13-29 3PT (44.8%), 5-7 FT (71.4%), 25 rebounds, 17 steals, 22 assists, 9 turnovers
- Iowa: 25-51 FG (49%), 8-17 3PT (47.1%), 6-8 FT (75%), 34 rebounds, 6 steals, 19 assists, 26 turnovers
Coach Auriemma on Team Growth
Reflecting on the team’s evolution, Auriemma said, “This is the kind of basketball I love. We want to play fast, take risks, and defend with intensity. Sarah has an aura about her—she’s always prepared, always asking questions, and she helps her teammates grow.”
Hawkeyes Kept at Bay
Hannah Stuelke led Iowa (10-2) with 17 points, while Chazadi Wright added 16. The Hawkeyes never got closer than nine in the second half as UConn opened the third quarter on a 6-0 run and led by as many as 31 in the fourth. The Huskies’ depth, defensive pressure, and offensive versatility proved too much for Iowa to overcome.
Looking Ahead
With the holidays approaching, UConn remains the clear national title favorite. The Huskies will face two more ranked opponents—Tennessee and Notre Dame—after the New Year and look to continue their dominant run.
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