The UConn women’s basketball team tips off its regular season tonight, hosting Boston University at the XL Center in Hartford.
The Huskies and Terriers have met four times previously, with Connecticut winning all four meetings by an average of 38 points. The most recent meeting, 11 seasons ago in 2013, saw Breanna Stewart and Stefanie Dolson combine for 48 points as the Huskies romped the Terriers, 96-38. UConn went on to go 40-0 and win the National Championship that same season.
Connecticut returns three starters from last season’s team, including redshirt senior Paige Bueckers and dynamic guards KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade, forming a powerful scoring nucleus heading into head coach Geno Auriemma’s 40th season at the helm. Princeton graduate transfer Kaitlyn Chen will make her official debut as a Husky after playing four years with the Tigers and will likely slot in as the point guard.
The frontcourt will be made up of three sizable post scorers Auriemma alluded to as the “key to the team.” Redshirt sophomore Ice Brady got the start at center in Connecticut’s scrimmage against Fort Hays State, with freshman Sarah Strong holding down the forward spot. Jana El Alfy came off the bench mid-way through the first quarter and played over 11 minutes of game time, grabbing nine rebounds and scoring twice.
“In a perfect world, I would love to be able to play all three of them together sometime,” said Auriemma.
Off the bench, underclassmen Qadence Samuels and Allie Ziebell combined for 20 points and seven rebounds as the Huskies pulled away from Fort Hays State in the second half. The hope is that the two sparkplugs integrate well when Caroline Ducharme and Azzi Fudd return from injury at later points in the season.
The Terriers were voted fifth in the Patriot League preseason poll, receiving two first place votes—the same as last season, when BU was voted second overall.
The centerpiece of the Terrier offense is senior guard Alex Giannaros, who was voted onto the Preseason All-Patriot League team following a 14.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg and .452 FG% season in 2023. The savvy veteran also plucked 54 steals on the defensive end as BU won 20 games and went to the Patriot League conference final.
In Boston’s first game action this season, Giannaros scored a game high 23 points, while sophomore Aoibhe Gormley had an all-around game with 8-7-6. The Terriers shot an excellent 43.8% from beyond the arc and led for all but 31 seconds in a definitive 60-48 win over city-rival Northeastern.
Jakob you’ve done it again. Can’t wait to see you on the court.
His name is Jake sir, please call him as such!
Herrow people of internet rand
YOUR GOING DOWN UCONN!