HARTFORD — UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma made adjustments to his starting lineup Sunday. However, one thing remained constant: Paige Bueckers guiding the Huskies to another Big East win.
The All-American guard delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 19 of her 23 points in the first half as No. 7 UConn defeated Providence 67-41 in front of a sellout crowd of 15,684 at the XL Center.
The victory marked UConn’s 37th consecutive win against the Friars, extending a streak that dates back to March 7, 1993. UConn (11-2, 2-0 Big East) holds its longest winning streaks—39 games each—against Georgetown and Seton Hall. Providence (7-8, 0-2 Big East) hasn’t defeated UConn in over three decades.
Since rejoining the Big East in the 2020-21 season, UConn has lost just three conference games—to Villanova in 2022, and to Marquette and St. John’s in 2023. Notably, Bueckers, a two-time Big East Player of the Year, missed all three losses due to injuries.
Lineup Changes and Early Command
On Saturday, Auriemma announced that Azzi Fudd, returning from a knee sprain, would replace Ashlynn Shade in the starting lineup. On game day, the coach introduced another change, starting redshirt freshman center Jana El Alfy over Ice Brady.
Fudd contributed two early three-pointers to help UConn take control in the first quarter.
“It was good to get her back out there,” Auriemma said. “Once she finds her rhythm, things will get even better. She’s improving with every game.”
El Alfy, recovering from a prior Achilles’ tendon injury, struggled during her nine minutes of action. She finished with two points, two rebounds, and two steals. “We’ll keep experimenting with lineups to find the best fit,” Auriemma explained. “Jana has potential, but she’s still overthinking things on the court.”
Dominant First Quarter
Bueckers led UConn on a 22-2 run to close the first quarter, scoring 12 points during the stretch. By the end of the period, the Huskies were ahead 28-6, capitalizing on 10 turnovers by Providence.
“Paige sets the tone for us,” Auriemma said.
Despite a brief scoring surge by the Friars in the second quarter, UConn maintained control, with Bueckers hitting a key three-pointer and Sarah Strong adding a three-point play to secure a 45-19 halftime lead.
Second-Half Adjustments
Providence trimmed the deficit to 16 in the third quarter before Auriemma switched to a four-guard lineup, which sparked a 9-0 run. The Huskies entered the final quarter with an insurmountable 25-point lead.
“KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade bring energy off the bench and change the game,” Bueckers said of the guards’ impact.
Bueckers finished with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, pushing her career total to 1,955 points in 98 games. Sarah Strong added 14 points, while UConn forced 31 turnovers, converting them into 40 points.
Moving Forward
While UConn’s defense proved dominant, Auriemma noted that the team continues to work on finding the right balance with its lineup. “It takes time, but we’re heading in the right direction,” he said.
The Huskies next face [insert next opponent], as they look to extend their conference success.
