Here’s a bold statement: the UConn women’s basketball team might just be setting the stage for another dominant season, and their exhibition victory against Boston College is a testament to that. But here’s where it gets controversial—while their star players shone brightly, the bench’s performance raises questions about depth. Let’s dive in.
The game began with UConn holding a comfortable 42-30 lead at halftime, but it was in the third quarter that the Huskies truly flexed their muscles. Star guard Azzi Fudd, after starting 0-for-2, ignited the team’s momentum with a blistering performance from beyond the arc. She drained three consecutive 3-pointers, two from the left corner and one from the right, finishing the quarter with 15 of her 20 points on a perfect 5-for-5 from deep. Fudd’s hot hand wasn’t just about scoring—it was a signal to her teammates that the game was theirs to control. And this is the part most people miss—her ability to shift the game’s momentum in just four minutes turned a comfortable lead into a commanding 20-point advantage.
Postgame, Fudd shared her excitement, saying, ‘I just had a lot of fun today. It’s a little earlier than usual, but shaking off those first-game jitters with a completely new team has me thrilled for what’s ahead.’ Her performance wasn’t just a showcase of skill but a glimpse into the potential of the reigning national champions for the 2025-26 season, especially with fellow superstar Sarah Strong by her side.
Speaking of Strong, her sophomore year improvement was on full display. Coach Geno Auriemma had been raving about her progress, and she delivered. Strong’s confidence was palpable, logging 15 points in her first 14 minutes and finishing with 17 on 8-for-11 shooting. She dominated the boards with five rebounds, dished out five assists, and was a defensive force with two steals and two blocks. Her growth from her freshman season is undeniable, and her chemistry with Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams was a highlight. Williams, who added 10 points in the first half, looked far more settled than in late September’s open practice, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. Together, Strong and Williams accounted for more than half of UConn’s 43 first-half points.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can UConn’s frontcourt carry the offensive load consistently? The Huskies’ starting guards took just nine shots combined in the first half, relying heavily on their post players. While this strategy worked against Boston College, it might be tested against tougher opponents. Auriemma praised Williams’s adaptability, noting her growing connection with Strong, but acknowledged the challenge of transitioning into UConn’s system after three years elsewhere.
Defense, however, remains UConn’s stronghold. The Huskies forced 21 turnovers, with nine players recording at least one steal. They capitalized on Boston College’s mistakes, scoring 29 points off turnovers. Yet, their defensive lapses around the 3-point line—allowing the Eagles to shoot 10-for-28—and 20 free throw attempts conceded are areas for improvement. Is their defense championship-ready, or will these weaknesses be exploited?
The bench, however, remains a work in progress. While all 14 available players saw action, the drop-off in production when Strong and Williams were off the floor was noticeable. Redshirt senior Ice Brady, redshirt sophomore Jana El Alfy, and freshman Blanca Quinonez combined for just eight points. Quinonez showed promise with four assists and two steals but struggled with fouls and turnovers. Freshman point guard Kelis Fisher’s early foul trouble and USC transfer Kayleigh Heckel’s 1-for-6 shooting highlighted the nerves of playing in front of a large crowd. Auriemma acknowledged the challenge of cohesiveness with a deep bench but remains optimistic about finding the right mix.
As UConn looks ahead, the question lingers: Can their stars elevate the team to another championship, or will bench inconsistencies hold them back? Fudd’s offseason training with Steph Curry’s team hints at even greater potential, but only time will tell. What’s your take? Are the Huskies poised for another title run, or are there too many question marks? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
