Even without Paige Bueckers, the UConn women’s basketball team showcased their depth and resilience in a commanding 81-27 victory over Xavier on Wednesday night at the XL Center. The Huskies demonstrated that their talent extends far beyond any single player, with standout performances from Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and Allie Ziebell leading the charge.

Unstoppable Force: How UConn's Depth Shines Without Bueckers

The Power of Team Dynamics

The absence of Paige Bueckers due to a knee sprain did not deter the UConn women’s basketball team from delivering an impressive performance against Xavier. In her place, the Huskies leaned on the strength of their collective effort. Azzi Fudd emerged as the star of the night, scoring 23 points—her highest since the second round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Fudd's dominance was evident early on, outscoring the entire Xavier team until late in the fourth quarter.Sarah Strong also played a pivotal role, contributing 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in just 20 minutes of play. Her versatility and leadership were instrumental in maintaining the team's momentum. Together, Fudd and Strong provided the offensive firepower needed to keep the game firmly within UConn's control. Their synergy on the court highlighted the depth and adaptability of the Huskies' roster, proving that no single player is indispensable.

A Rising Star Emerges

Allie Ziebell's breakout performance added another layer of excitement to the evening. She finished with a career-high 17 points, marking her first time reaching double figures. Ziebell's contributions were particularly impactful in the second half, where she caught fire and delivered key plays that extended UConn's lead. Her emergence as a reliable scorer underscores the team's ability to develop and nurture talent across the board.Jana El Alfy also made significant contributions, adding 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Ashlynn Shade, starting in place of Bueckers, contributed eight points and three assists. These performances collectively showcased the depth and balance of the UConn roster, ensuring that even in the face of adversity, the team could rely on multiple sources of scoring and leadership.

Defensive Mastery and Strategic Execution

The Huskies' defensive prowess was on full display throughout the game. They forced 32 turnovers, coming within one of their season-best record. This relentless pressure disrupted Xavier's offense and created numerous opportunities for UConn to capitalize on fast breaks and easy baskets. The Musketeers struggled to find consistency, making only nine total field goals compared to UConn's 10 three-pointers.In the opening moments, Xavier managed to score a 3-pointer, but it was quickly followed by a dominant 30-point run by the Huskies. By halftime, UConn had already forced 20 turnovers and established a commanding lead. The second half saw a continuation of this trend, with the Huskies extending their advantage through strategic execution and relentless defense. The final margin of 54 points tied a season-high for UConn, underscoring their overwhelming dominance.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

With this win, the Huskies improved to 14-2 overall and maintained their perfect 5-0 record in Big East play. The team's next challenge comes on Saturday when they travel to the nation's capital to face Georgetown. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on SNY. As UConn continues to navigate the season without Bueckers, the team's depth and resilience will be crucial in overcoming future obstacles. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Huskies will build on this impressive performance moving forward.