Head coach of the UConn Women’s Basketball team, Geno Auriemma, announced to the media Saturday afternoon that Azzi Fudd will start in the squad’s matchup on Sunday versus the Providence Friars.
Tip-off between these two Big East foes is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and the Virginia native will make her first start since she suffered a minor sprain in her right knee in the Women’s Championship Classic against Louisville on Dec. 7.
“Bringing Azzi [Fudd] back, that changes things. I’m hoping we can settle into a regular routine.” Auriemma said to the media.
The Huskies are coming off a heartbreaking 72-70 loss against JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans.
In this matchup, the Huskies struggled in the first half of the game, but with a spark from sophomore KK Arnold, the Huskies worked their way back up and freshman Sarah Strong finished with her third double-double of the season attaining 22 points and 13 rebounds.
However, despite their comeback, the Huskies would not end up taking the win after the team’s struggle to maintain efficiency with their shots.
“I think that’s what carries you through these tough times; is you don’t dwell on them, and you don’t let them define who you are.” Auriemma stated to media personnel, offering words of wisdom.
As the Huskies look to end 2024 on a high note, Auriemma says the Huskies are working on their shooting in practice and are hoping to improve those abilities in the new year, comparing shooting to hitting in baseball.
“Shooting is funny. We’re […] based on our practice numbers […] a great free throw shooting team. All you can do is make sure you keep getting good ones.” Auriemma said.
The last time these programs from the Big East played each other was this year on March 9, when the Huskies took the dub 86-53 in the Big East Championship Quarterfinals. Looking at the history between these two teams, the Huskies have won 36 games in a row and look forward to adding the 37th game to that streak tomorrow afternoon.
A player on the Friars the Huskies will have to look out for is graduate guard Grace Efosa who has double the average points per game record compared to her teammates with 16.
Fans attending this game are encouraged to wear blue for “Bleed Blue Year’s Eve.” If Husky fans cannot make it to Hartford, they can tune into this matchup on SNY.