In an eagerly awaited matchup, the seventh-ranked UConn Huskies will travel to Washington D.C. on Saturday, January 11, to face the Georgetown Hoyas at the Entertainment & Sports Arena. This women's college basketball game promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes this season. The Huskies have been dominating their games with a stellar record of 14-2 overall and a perfect 5-0 in conference play. Meanwhile, Georgetown has had a more challenging time, holding an 8-7 overall record and 1-3 in Big East competition. The game is set to begin at 4 p.m. EST and can be watched through streaming services like DirecTV Stream or Hulu.
Huskies' Dominance Continues Despite Key Absence
The UConn Huskies have continued their impressive form even without their leading scorer, Paige Bueckers, who suffered a knee injury. In their recent victory over Xavier, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong stepped up significantly. Fudd scored a remarkable 23 points, with most coming in the first half, while Strong contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and five steals. The team's resilience was evident as they secured an overwhelming 81-27 win. This performance showcased the depth and adaptability of the Huskies, highlighting their ability to thrive even in the absence of key players.
The absence of Bueckers did not deter the Huskies from delivering a dominant performance. Fudd's scoring prowess in the first half set the tone for the game, while Strong's versatility added another layer of strength to the team. Allie Ziebell also made significant contributions in the second half, scoring 17 points. The game against Xavier revealed that UConn can rely on multiple players to step up when needed. With Fudd breaking her previous season-high score twice in one week, the Huskies demonstrated their collective strength and readiness for upcoming challenges.
Xavier Struggles Continue in Big East Play
The Musketeers faced a tough battle against the formidable Huskies, ending with a lopsided score of 81-27. Xavier struggled to find their rhythm, scoring only nine points before UConn unleashed a 15-0 run midway through the first half. The Musketeers' offensive woes were compounded by UConn's defensive pressure, which resulted in numerous turnovers. By halftime, Xavier had managed just 10 points, trailing significantly behind the Huskies. This defeat marked another chapter in their ongoing struggle within the Big East, where they have yet to secure a victory.
The loss extended Xavier's losing streak in Big East games to 45 consecutive matches. Irune Orio led the scoring for Xavier with 10 points, but it wasn't enough to make a dent in UConn's dominance. The Musketeers have now lost all nine matchups against UConn, with seven of those losses exceeding a 36-point margin. The statistics highlight the stark contrast between the two teams' performances. UConn's ability to capitalize on turnovers, scoring 36 points off Xavier's mistakes in the first three quarters, underscores their superior execution and teamwork. As Xavier prepares for their next game against St. John’s, they will need to address these issues to improve their standing in the conference.