STORRS, Conn. – In a commanding display, Paige Bueckers scored 19 points, dished out seven assists, and grabbed three steals to propel the 5th-ranked UConn to a decisive 92-57 victory over Marquette on Sunday. This game marked her last appearance in the regular season.
Sarah Strong contributed significantly to UConn’s (28-3, 18-0 in the Big East) victory with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks. Azzi Fudd chipped in with 12 points, while Aubrey Griffin anchored the team with 11 points and four rebounds, marking UConn’s 38th consecutive win in regular-season Big East contests.
On the opposing side, Marquette (20-9, 12-6) saw Jaidynn Mason scoring 13 points, while Skylar Forbes added 12, and Lee Volker contributed 10 points to their effort.
Having already secured the top seed for the upcoming Big East tournament, the Huskies completed a flawless run through the Big East regular season for the 11th occasion. This achievement mirrored their flawless records during their time in the American Athletic Conference.
Despite Marquette’s early four-point lead, UConn’s aggressive defense forced 12 turnovers in the first half. This pressure enabled them to shoot 14 of 18 from the field, ending the first quarter with a commanding 31-15 lead. The 31-point quarter equaled their highest scoring quarter in Big East play this season.
Post-game, Bueckers, Fudd, Griffin, and Kaitlyn Chen received recognition during Senior Day celebrations. Fudd has yet to decide whether to return next season or enter the WNBA Draft.
Takeaways:
Marquette faced significant changes with notable players like Liza Karlen and Mackenzie Hare transferring to Notre Dame and Iowa State, respectively. First-year head coach Cara Consuegra had challenges to overcome in reshaping the team, yet they still managed to finish among the top four in the Big East.
UConn appears to be regaining their full strength just in time for the postseason, with players Caroline Ducharme and Ice Brady back in action over the past week. The Huskies should be bolstered by 12 healthy players for the tournaments ahead.
Key Moment:
A crucial sequence saw Senior Aubrey Griffin score six points amid a 16-3 run in the first quarter, transforming a two-point deficit into a commanding 20-9 lead for UConn.
Key Statistic:
Marquette, ranked 20th in field-goal percentage among NCAA Division I women’s teams, could not withstand UConn’s efficiency. By the mid-second quarter, UConn shot 18 of 25, capitalizing on offensive rebounds that followed four of their seven missed shots.
Up Next:
Both UConn and Marquette are set to begin their campaigns in the Big East tournament on Saturday.
