After the UConn women’s basketball team (14-0, 5-0) defeated the Seton Hall Pirates Saturday 84-48, sophomore Sarah Strong was asked to describe sophomore guard KK Arnold as a leader and facilitator.
Strong used four words.
Those four words being, “She’s just that girl.”
For Geno Auriemma, as the Head Coach of this squad, Arnold possesses the majority of the qualities you would want to see in your starting point guard.
Arnold is good at setting her teammates up, staying disruptive on the defensive end and changing the tempo of any game with her, as Auriemma described it, “frenetic” style of play.
“She’s incredibly valuable,” Auriemma said postgame on Saturday afternoon when asked about Arnold’s leadership. “Nobody else on the team can replicate what she does.”
Husky fans will have the chance to see Arnold’s heroics on full display Wednesday night, her second game back, after missing the squad’s bout against Providence on Dec. 31 due to a nasal fracture.
Connecticut is scheduled to take on the St. John’s Red Storm (13-3, 3-3), their second game in their conference homestand this week.
In addition to Arnold, players like Ashlynn Shade and Kayleigh Heckel have been integral to the Huskies’ success as of late. With their grittiness on the defensive end, they complement shooting guard Azzi Fudd on the offensive end.
On the Johnnie’s roster, the Huskies should keep an eye out for junior guard Brooke Moore, who averages 14.4 points per game. Moore transferred to SJU this season after playing her first two collegiate seasons with the Liberty Flames.
The key to taking the win for the Huskies?
Forcing turnovers.
Moore has racked up a total of 35 turnovers this season, with the team totaling 263 turnovers, proving it to be their Achilles’ heel during their 2025-26 campaign.
The last time these two conference foes faced one another was on March 8, 2025 for the Big East tournament quarterfinals. The Huskies defeated the Johnnies 71-40 and Paige Bueckers grabbed a total of 20 points and five rebounds.
With the history between these two programs dating back to the 1987-1988 season, the Huskies have a total of 50 wins and five losses over SJU.
Per Daniel Connolly of the UConn blog, Auriemma announced on his radio show that Jana El Alfy will be questionable (as of print) for the bout, after getting hit in the head with a pass. Auriemma also elaborated that Ayanna Patterson did practice but will not be able to play yet. Morgan Cheli (ankle) and Ice Brady (knee) will also not be available.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from the PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Conn. The game can be tuned in to on TruTV or listened to on 105.9 FM.