Azzi Fudd Sends Subtle Message to Candace Parker as UConn’s Momentum Builds

“ Don’t get me wrong, that carried us. But this year, I feel like we’re more calm and confident together than we’ve been in the past.”

No doubt, Fudd has a point. Last season, UConn faced immense pressure to end its championship drought before Paige Bueckers’ transition to the pros. The tension was noticeable. But this year feels different.

The Huskies are now on a 47-game winning streak. It marks the program’s fifth-longest streak in women’s basketball history and the fourth-longest in school history, previously set from 2013 to 2015. They are also finishing their third straight unbeaten season in Big East play, winning a program-record 20th conference game.

And there’s more. The win marked UConn’s return to form after some sluggish performances down the stretch of Big East play. For the first time since their February 4 win at DePaul, the Huskies led wire-to-wire at Madison Square Garden. They never looked out of control on either end of the floor.

Simply put, this team is collectively led by Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong. They are not just defending well. They are scoring efficiently. And the latest game was proof of that.

How Did the Huskies Do It?

UConn dominated St. John’s from the opening minutes. They quickly built an 11-point lead before their opponent could settle in. While Ashlynn Shade scored all seven of her points in the first quarter, overall, UConn’s scoring was balanced. That’s because eight different players got on the board early. 

The Huskies also controlled the glass, especially on the offensive end, creating second-chance opportunities. Even in the second quarter, the offense kept rolling. Williams scored two easy baskets in a row, and Allie Ziebell impressed with her aggressive drives and transition play. She attacked the basket, made tough shots, and turned defense into offense.

By halftime, no player had reached double digits. Yet almost everyone who saw the floor had scored. That’s because UConn shot efficiently and dominated inside the paint, even though their three-point shooting wasn’t sharp early on.

After halftime, their outside shooting improved. Although St. John’s scored more in the second half, it was never enough to threaten UConn’s lead. The result was a comfortable, commanding win,  and further proof that this year’s calm confidence may be their biggest weapon yet.