When the Huskies took the court against Providence, it wasn't their shooting that stole the show-it was their relentless defense. Even though Azzi Fudd might have hoped for a standout performance on Senior Day, UConn's defensive prowess ensured her shooting struggles were merely a footnote in an 81-38 victory at Gampel Pavilion.
The Huskies put the clamps on the Friars from the start, forcing a staggering 21 turnovers in the first half alone, with 13 coming from steals. Despite a 21-5 lead by the end of the first quarter, UConn's defense continued to press, never letting Providence find any rhythm.
UConn, boasting a perfect 29-0 record, led 40-14 at halftime. Fudd, despite scoring just two points on 1-of-8 shooting, and Allie Ziebell, hitting only 2 of 7 shots, still had plenty to celebrate. Coach Geno Auriemma gave the seniors their moment, starting Fudd, Serah Williams, Caroline Ducharme, and Ayanna Patterson, while experimenting with lineups as the postseason looms.
The Huskies' defense remained tenacious in the third quarter, forcing 12 more turnovers and extending their lead to 66-25. Freshman Kelis Fisher's late steal tied UConn's record for turnovers forced in a game, a mark that had stood since 1997.
With a season-high 26 steals, UConn's defensive numbers were as impressive as their offensive ones. Fudd and Sarah Strong each scored 13 points, while Ziebell added 11 and Ashlynn Shade contributed 10. Jana El Alfy dominated the boards with 16 rebounds, and KK Arnold dished out 10 assists.
On the Providence side, Princess Moody was the lone bright spot, scoring 11 points.
The victory marked UConn's 40th consecutive win over Providence and extended their Big East winning streak to 65 games. With 32 regular-season conference titles under their belt, including 25 in the Big East, the Huskies continue to set the standard.
Next up, UConn faces Georgetown and St. John’s as they gear up for the Big East tournament. As Fudd reflected on her journey at UConn, she expressed gratitude for the legacy she’s become a part of, embracing the privilege of learning from the best.
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