The Huskies, now with a record of 24-3, got significant contributions from Sarah Strong, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Paige Bueckers also made her mark, contributing 12 points along with 10 assists and seven rebounds. UConn took control early in the match, pulling away late in the first quarter and achieving an impressive 22-point lead by halftime.
South Carolina, the reigning champions, seemed unusually out of sync in this game, losing at home for the first time since December 3, 2020, when they fell to North Carolina State. This defeat marked the end of one of the longest home winning streaks in women’s Division I basketball history.
Fudd’s performance came off the heels of her previous career-high of 34 points during a game against St. John’s just a few days earlier. Throughout the game, she showcased her shooting prowess with six 3-pointers, four of which came in the third quarter, effectively quashing any hopes of a South Carolina comeback.
Joyce Edwards was the standout for South Carolina, leading her team with 17 points in the loss.
In terms of key highlights from the game, UConn’s victory was crucial for the Huskies, who faced a tough defeat against SEC rival Tennessee earlier in the month. With Fudd delivering such outstanding performances, UConn looks to position itself as a serious contender for the championship.
For South Carolina, which had suffered only three losses over the past three seasons, this defeat underscores a need for quick adjustments, especially following a previous setback against No. 3 Texas.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when UConn was down 11-9 after a basket by Edwards. The Huskies then went on an unstoppable 22-3 run over the following ten minutes, establishing a commanding lead of 45-23 at halftime.
Statistically, one of the most telling aspects of the match was UConn’s ability to dominate the boards. While South Carolina entered the game with an impressive average of more than eight rebounds per game over their opponents, the Huskies controlled the rebounding battle with a 48-29 advantage.
Looking ahead, UConn will continue its three-game road trip against Seton Hall on Wednesday night, while South Carolina will attempt to regroup during a home matchup against Arkansas on Thursday night.
