Four games into the season, top-ranked UConn has quickly reasserted itself as a national title contender, opening its season with dominant wins and a refreshed identity following the departure of former star Paige Bueckers. Behind a deeper roster, a remodeled offensive identity and the two-way dominance of sophomore forward Sarah Strong and Senior guard Azzi Fudd, the defending champions have started 4–0 and shown early signs that they are built for another extended postseason run
UConn (4-0) began its title defense with a 79–66 win over No. 20 Louisville, powered by 21 points from Strong and 20 from Fudd. The Huskies led by as many as 23 and never trailed, extending their streak of season-opening wins to 29 years. Transfers Serah Williams and Kayleigh Heckel made immediate contributions, signaling the depth that has defined the start of the season.
Fudd and Strong continued to set the tone in UConn’s 99–67 home-opening win over Florida State, combining for 44 points. Heckel, who finished with six steals, produced a dominant defensive effort as the Huskies forced 20 turnovers and took control with an 18-0 run that led to halftime. It was another example of how UConn's reinvented defensive identity, which focuses on length, pressure, and pace, has developed to be an essential part of its new style following Bueckers.
Loyola Chicago was defeated 85–31, demonstrating that defensive UConn edge. The Huskies forced 36 turnovers and tallied 25 steals, with 11 different players scoring. Freshmen Blanca Quinonez and Gandy Malou-Mamel made their debuts as the Huskies demonstrated the kind of lineup flexibility they lacked in recent injury-heavy seasons.
But UConn’s most complete performance came in Sunday’s 100–68 win over Ohio State. Strong posted 29 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, effectively operating as a point forward. Fudd added 19 points and seven assists after a slow first quarter, and Quinonez delivered her breakout moment with 18 points off the bench. UConn outscored the Buckeyes 52–27 across the second and third quarters, overwhelming them with size, tempo and defensive pressure.
Through four games, the Huskies’ formula for another deep postseason run has emerged: Strong and Fudd as elite primary options, improved spacing and tempo, and meaningful depth that gives Geno Auriemma more lineup versatility than he has had in recent years. The challenge ahead will be maintaining chemistry and consistency as rotations expand, but if the first two weeks are any indication, UConn’s path to back-to-back national titles is possible.
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