Storrs, CT–In a dominant display of basketball prowess, the No. 2-seed UConn Huskies overwhelmed the No. 15-seed Arkansas State Red Wolves with a resounding 103-34 victory in the NCAA Tournament First Round on Saturday at Gampel Pavilion.
The energy was beyond electric at Storrs, with 10,299 in attendance. The Huskies looked vibrant and focused during warm-ups, setting the tone to do what they do best, and today, they did just that.
Graduate student Guard Azzi Fudd played an exceptional game igniting the charge for UConn, delivering an impressive 27 points, including 21 in the first half. She also contributed seven assists, six steals, and two blocks in just 22 minutes of play.
Freshman Sarah Strong showcased her versatility with a double-double, amassing 20 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and five blocked shots in her NCAA tournament debut. Sophomore Ashlynn Shade added 20 points off the bench while Jana El Alfy, Kaitlyn Chen and KK Arnold combined a total of 14 points further highlighting UConn’s depth.
The Huskies set the stage early, responding to an initial basket by Arkansas State with a commanding 22-0 run. By the end of the first quarter, UConn led 34-5, effectively terminating any hopes of an upset. Their relentless defense forced 20 turnovers, resulting in 34 points off those miscues. The team’s shooting efficiency was notable, with a 58.8% field goal percentage, while limiting the Red Wolves to a mere 17.1%.
Arkansas State’s offense struggled throughout the entire game, with no player reaching double figures in scoring. The team managed only six successful three-pointers out of 40 attempts, reflecting UConn’s defensive intensity.
UConn’s head coach, Geno Auriemma, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, acknowledging the challenges posed by a two-week hiatus before the tournament. He noted the players’ eagerness to compete, stating, “I think that’s their way of saying, Coach, we just want to play.”
The Huskies’ victory marks their 31st consecutive tournament-opening win, underscoring the program’s storied legacy in women’s college basketball. They advance to the second round, where they will face the 10-seed South Dakota State, who currently hold the nation’s longest active winning streak at 20 games.
For Arkansas State, this game concluded a remarkable season that saw them secure their first NCAA Tournament appearance. Despite the outcome, the Red Wolves showcased resilience and determination throughout their campaign, highlighted by a thrilling overtime victory against top-seeded James Madison in the Sun Belt Conference tournament championship.
As for what lies ahead for Uconn, their performance in this opener serves as a statement of intent, reflecting their readiness towards more wins while pursuing a chance at another national title.
