The national champs didn’t waste any time reminding everyone why they’re still the team to beat. UConn rolled past Florida State 99-67 on Sunday night in Storrs, celebrating their 2025 title banner with another dominant win in front of a packed Gampel Pavilion crowd.
Azzi Fudd looked like the All-American everyone expected, scoring 20 of her 23 points before halftime as UConn blew the game open early. Freshman Sarah Strong continued her quick rise with 21 points, while sophomore guard Kayleigh Heckel added 12 points and six steals off the bench.
Florida State tried to hang around in the first quarter, but UConn’s defense turned the game into a rout. Heckel’s energy on both ends fueled a 12-0 second-quarter run, and by halftime, the Huskies led 51-27.
Geno’s new formula still features Fudd and Strong
Coach Geno Auriemma didn’t hide who runs this offense. “Whenever we draw up a play, the first two words out of my mouth are either Azzi or Sarah,” he said. “They’re going to be involved no matter what.”
Both guards looked every bit like the stars of this new UConn era. Fudd found her rhythm from everywhere on the floor, while Strong stretched Florida State’s defense with her shooting and rebounding. Together, they made the Huskies’ transition to life after Paige Bueckers and Kaitlyn Chen look seamless.
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Transfer Serah Williams chipped in during a third-quarter surge, scoring seven points in a 15-0 UConn run. Ayanna Patterson, returning after missing two full seasons with injuries, earned one of the loudest ovations of the night when she scored her first basket since 2023.
Championship night capped by a reminder of who’s in charge
Before tip-off, the Huskies unveiled their 12th national championship banner. Nine returning players from last season’s title team joined the ceremony, with video messages from former stars Bueckers and Chen. Fans roared as the banner lifted into the rafters, a reminder that in women’s basketball, the road still runs through Storrs.
UConn’s bench dominated with 37 points to Florida State’s 17, showing the depth that Auriemma will rely on all season. With new faces blending seamlessly into the program’s relentless style, the Huskies again look ready to chase another deep March run.
Sunday’s win wasn’t just a celebration of the past. It was a statement that UConn’s grip on women’s college basketball remains as firm as ever.
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