Over the past three seasons, the UConn women’s basketball team has gone 51-3 in Big East play. Despite their success, this is the first time since 2021 that the No. 10 Huskies are undefeated in conference play this late in the year. The only thing standing in UConn’s way of achieving the Big East’s 14th perfect season is a clash versus the Providence Friars at Alumni Hall tomorrow.
When the Huskies last went undefeated in conference action, star guard Paige Bueckers was in the midst of her National Player of the Year campaign as a freshman. Now a redshirt junior, Bueckers has built on that season with a balanced attack and is coming off two consecutive 30-pieces. On top of her team-leading 20.8 points per game, the Minnesota native averages 4.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Her all-around style of play has been critical to Connecticut’s success in conference play.
The same applies for senior forward Aaliyah Edwards. Her 11 double-doubles in 17 conference games play a pivotal role in why it is hard for opposing frontcourts to truly lock down the paint. Edwards did not even need an efficient night from the floor to collect her most recent one, speaking volumes to how effective she has been down low. Add in her 25 blocks (only Bueckers has more on the team) and 49 steals, and people start to understand why the Huskies have allowed less than 60 points per game.
First-year guard KK Arnold contributes to that number by taking possessions away. The Wisconsin native’s feisty energy has helped her collect a team-leading 70 steals. Arnold’s biggest habit on offense is driving to the lane for a bucket. She has attempted 60 three-point shots and made 21 of them, but being able to shoot from anywhere on the floor will further boost her development into one of the nation’s top point guards.
Senior guard Nika Mühl, who works at a slower pace, has already cemented herself as a floor general. Her 192 assists on the season and over 600 in her career are a testament to her ability to command the court. Mühl’s five-game streak with 5+ assists has helped her move up the all-time ranks and be within striking distance of Moriah Jefferson’s 659. Beyond her dimes, the senior guard can light it up from downtown without any advance notice.
Mühl’s 40.6% clip from behind the arc is almost 6% better than first-year guard Ashlynn Shade’s. That is partially because Shade has attempted 135 shots from downtown as compared to the senior guard’s 96, but she is still a major three-point threat. The Indiana native shot an uncharacteristic 0-4 from downtown the other night. If Shade can boost her confidence from downtown early tomorrow night, it could be huge for a UConn team needing as much offense as they can get heading into the postseason.
First-year guard Qadence Samuels provided valuable minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s win. Between Mühl’s absence due to injury and Bueckers dealing with foul trouble, Samuels stepped up and handled some of their regular duties, especially on defense. How many minutes she gets against Providence depends on how the game goes, but should she see some action, expect the first-year guard to be everywhere on the floor.
The Friars have lost seven out of their last eight since starting Big East play 5-4. Their lone victory in that span came at home against the Xavier Musketeers, who have just one win on the season. Despite their recent results, Providence has scored at least 60 points in three out of their last four home contests. It is an encouraging sign for the program under first-year head coach Erin Batth.
Senior guard Grace Efosa (12.7 PPG) has heated up offensively during the Friars’ rough stretch. Efosa has scored in double figures in five out of her last six games and made at least four shots in her last four. The senior guard is also becoming more confident in her three-point shooting, and that could be critical for Providence ahead of the Big East Tournament.
Fellow senior Brynn Farrell will have the same role. Farrell makes a living in two areas on the court: the charity stripe and from behind the arc. At the free-throw line, the senior guard is shooting 81% and has had just four games where she did not take a shot. The second-year Friar’s three-point performance varies by game, but her four triples the other night could be a sign of things to come, especially if she comes back for a fifth season.
Junior forward Olivia Olsen is the mastermind behind Providence’s post play because of what she can do on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she leads the team with 14.2 points per contest at a 53.5% clip. The junior forward holds the edge over most post players who want to grab a missed shot at 8.8 rebounds a night, especially when it comes to the 83 second-chance opportunities she has created. Her 173 defensive rebounds rank third in the conference and just one player, Villanova’s Christina Dalce, has more blocks than Olsen’s 52.
Wake Forest transfer Marta Morales Romero could be an X-factor for the Friars as she scored 11 points off the bench in Wednesday’s defeat. Beyond the scoring, Morales Romero uses her offense to make up for not being the most dangerous defender. The junior guard leads the team with 64 assists and has the second-best percentage from downtown among players who have attempted 50+ threes.
Alumni Hall seats less than 2,000 people, but it is still going to be an intimidating venue for the Huskies to play in. Should Connecticut want to walk out of Rhode Island victorious, they will need to consistently crash the glass as both teams average over 38 rebounds.
Tip-off in the regular-season finale is at 7 p.m. on SNY.