The Boston University Terriers rolled into the XL Center in Hartford to face the UConn Huskies in UConn’s season opener. Connecticut took a few minutes to get things going, but once they did, they buzzsawed BU 31-6 in the first quarter and 29-7 in the second. After halftime, the Huskies cooled off in quarters 3 and 4, although they still took each one, ending with an 86-32 victory.
Certainly, UConn will want to stay focused and not have that kind of second half in future games, but many new players are still getting used to playing together, and that should work itself out.
BU turned the ball over 33 times with UConn scoring 37 points off of them. The UConn defense overwhelmed BU who really had no answer for it. The poor shooting in the second half from both teams wasn’t a result of great defense, but rather poor shooting.
To UConn’s credit, all ten available players scored, with freshman and No. 1 recruit Sarah Strong and redshirt freshman Jana El Alfy each scoring 17, with El Alfy adding 11 rebounds for a debut double-double. Paige Bueckers added 13 points and Ashlynn Shade scored 10 with 6 steals. The UConn bench scored 38 points, something Geno Auriemma should be pleased with. Alex Giannaros led the Terriers with 13 points, the only BU player in double figures.
A Team Effort For UConn Vs. Boston University
The most impressive element in this game for the Huskies was, once they got going, how well the newcomers mixed with the returnees from last season. Keep in mind, that there are still more weapons not yet ready. Azzi Fudd, Caroline Ducharme, Aubrey Griffin, and Ayanna Patterson haven’t had the chance to suit up, but when they are ready, it will be interesting to see who gets the minutes and who sits.
The freshmen, particularly Strong, showed a remarkable comfort level playing for the first time in front of an XL Center crowd. With a moderate amount of turnovers, the Huskies look to have a great foundation upon which to build. This is going to translate into Bueckers not having to play 34+ minutes per game. As the team continues to gel, the rotations should look almost seamless. Certainly, the energy is there. It is just a question of who will be called upon to bring it at any given moment.
Sarah Strong
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 8, 2024
FOR THREE pic.twitter.com/4RPbQEPTlQ
Boston University is more than likely not going to run into this kind of defense in the Patriot League, so this particular game may not really be a good indication of what they are capable of doing. Obviously, the high number of turnovers is concerning, but playing against the Connecticut machine is no easy task.
Two of the more exciting players to watch are El Alfy and Strong. At 6’5″, Jana’s presence underneath is something the Huskies have needed and that they will continue to capitalize on. Sarah brings another level of toughness, whether shooting from deep or at the rim.
First collegiate game ✅
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 8, 2024
First career double-double ✅
Jana El Alfy had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the season opener! pic.twitter.com/KVcYs3F6t8
El Alfy’s ability for second-chance points and Strong’s sheer determination to get to the basket should prove to be very difficult to defend. At first look, this version of the UConn Huskies looks a little tougher and bigger. With Bueckers leading the charge, this looks like the beginning of what has the potential of being a great season.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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