Before the top-ranked UConn Huskies (25-0, 14-0) took on Butler Saturday afternoon, the team announced that Sarah Strong would miss the game for rest purposes. Even without Strong, it proved to be no issue for the Huskies, who took the win against the Bulldogs 80-48.
Now, as the Huskies gear up to take on Creighton (12-12, 8-7) Wednesday evening, Head Coach Geno Auriemma announced that Strong will be back tomorrow.
Strong said to the meeting that she’s been experiencing tightness in calf, but a rest from practice and the game felt very beneficial, and she’s ready to get back on the court.
“I kept wanting to run out with them […] it was a different look at the game it was a lot of fun,” Strong said to the media on Tuesday evening.
Along with Strong, the Huskies were without freshman Blanca Quiñonez, who has been integral to the Huskies. Especially keeping her program productive during stagnant moments. Auriemma says that Quiñonez is “progressing her way up” and could return Saturday against Marquette.
However, in addition to Strong and Quiñonez, KK Arnold has been another of Auriemma’s consistent pieces on the defensive end.
Throughout the season, Auriemma has emphasized how Arnold has evolved into a more mature player and voice on the team.
“I feel like at times, my past two years here, freshman, sophomore year, there were times where I was bringing up the ball and just had to be in that position,” Arnold said to the media, “So, just kind of each and every year growing and knowing that this year and maybe a little bit of next year that I’ll be the main ball handler and have to control the pace.
On Creighton’s squad, UConn should take note of freshman guard Ava Zediker, who averages 13.8 points per game. The squad should also keep an eye on Grace Boffeli, who has been integral for her squad at the boards, averaging 8.9 rebounds per game.
The last time these two conference foes faced off was exactly a month ago on Jan. 11 in Nebraska. The Huskies took the win 95-54, and Zediker put up a total of 23 points that afternoon, while Strong and Fudd each had 18 and 14 points, respectively.
With the history between these two programs dating back to the 2014-15 season, when these two programs first faced one another, UConn has won all 12 of the games.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Gampel Pavilion. If Husky fans cannot make it to Storrs, they can tune in to this conference matchup on Peacock.