The moment Husky fans have been waiting all summer long for is finally here.
The UConn women’s basketball team is set to return to Hartford, Conn. on Sunday, Oct. 26, for the second game of their exhibition series against the Southern Connecticut State Owls.
It will be the Huskies’ first game in Hartford since the former XL Center was renamed to PeoplesBank Arena and received a nearly $145 million makeover. Fans will see a newly renovated lower bowl, seats and more.
On Oct. 13, the Huskies took on the Boston College Eagles for their first exhibition game of the series, where they came out on top with a score of 84-67.
This matchup solidified a lot of things for the Huskies. First and foremost, the starting lineup.
Heading into this game, it was evident that head coach Geno Auriemma would start Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, as well as KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade. The final spot, though, was in question up until gametime.
That’s when fans found out that senior transfer Serah Williams would evidently fill that space.
“We tried to go with all the veterans in the beginning, figured they’ve been in that situation the most,” Auriemma said.
Even after just one game, Williams proved herself in a UConn jersey alongside her fellow forward, Strong.
“Those two have a really good connection,” Auriemma said, “I think the more [Williams] plays with us, it’s not the easiest thing in the world to play one way for three years and then come in and perform into a scenario like that.”
Both Williams and Strong finished the first half of the Boston College Exhibition with 25 points and will be tremendous assets for the program heading into this matchup against Southern Connecticut.
The last time these two in-state foes faced one another was in November 2023 for another exhibition game. Exhibition games like these are a great way for programs to get their reps ahead of commencing their regular season.
“They’re exhibitions for a reason. We saw a bunch of good things and a bunch of bad things; that’s what makes these games successful,” Auriemma said postgame versus Boston College.
Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. If Husky fans cannot make it to Hartford, they can tune into the game on UConn+ or listen in on 97.9 FM from Learfield.