The UConn Huskies met the Villanova Wildcats in the first Big East semifinal today at Mohegan Sun Arena. Both teams started off strong and with some real attitude and determination. The Wildcats, who have had a so-so season, were looking to make a statement. Their toughness was apparent, and looked like they were going to give the Huskies a fight.
UConn pulled out to an eight-point lead, but Villanova fought back hard, and with a last second layup by Maddie Webber, brought Villanova to within two points at 21 – 91 UConn. Paige Bueckers got off to a better start, scoring nine of her 23 points in the first quarter.
Villanova got some rhythm going in the second half, briefly going back and forth with the Huskies until Bueckers hit a jump shot to put the Huskies up 32 – 31. They never looked back. UConn ended the half up 10 points, 47 – 37.
UConn and Villanova: A Tale of Two Halves
After the half, Villanova flat out fell apart. UConn held them scoreless for the first 5:20 of the quarter, while ballooning their lead to 22. The drought ended when Denae Carter hit a pair of free throws. UConn outscored Villanova 17 – 6 in the quarter, and held a 64 – 43 lead going into the fourth.
Bueckers subbed out three minutes into the fourth, with a total of 23 points. Sarah Strong subbed out with just over three minutes left, leaving with a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds. Villanova had no answer to the UConn defense or offense, and the Huskies ran away with the game with a final score of 82 – 54.
HUSKIES WIN@WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/xJJBcv4bpA
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 9, 2025
Villanova had some bright moments, particularly from Webber, who led the Wildcats with 15 points. Star freshman Jasmine Bascoe was held to seven points, and both Carter and Ryanne Allen contributed 10 points. However, Villanova was held to 31.1% shooting while UConn shot 51.7%.
The three-point game started slowly for the Huskies, but they ended with 8 – 20. Villanova shot 6 – 30 from deep. There were not many turnovers, with UConn having eight and Villanova 10. UConn outscored the Wildcats 38 – 20 in the paint, and out rebounded them 40 – 32.
The Huskies will face Creighton in the finals, a rematch of the season finale. Creighton took down Seton Hall 73 – 44, and will be looking to keep the momentum going on Monday. UConn will be ready. It promises to be quite a game.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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