The UConn Huskies met the Georgetown Hoyas at the XL Center in Hartford for what was a rematch of last season’s Big East Championship game and this season’s opening game. After UConn’s loss to Notre Dame last week, all were eager to see if the Huskies would bounce back. Even though the first quarter was somewhat tentative, UConn dominated the rest of the game and overpowered Georgetown 79-44.
Georgetown, who came in with a 6-4 record, looked to hang tough with UConn. In a low-scoring quarter, they managed to stay within 4 points, ending at 17-13. They would get no closer. UConn thoroughly dominated the second and third quarters, outscoring Georgetown 47-16. Even though the fourth quarter went 15-15, the Hoyas didn’t have any way to get around UConn’s defense and improved shooting.
UConn Stars Shined Versus Georgetown
Former UConn guard Nika Mühl used to say “Everybody eats,” meaning everyone scores. In this contest, everyone ate. Paige Bueckers ended with 24 points, Sarah Strong scored 14 with 14 boards, and Ashlynn Shade‘s yee-haw smile returned after sinking a three-pointer, something that has eluded her for a while, and ended with nine points.
HUSKIES WIN@WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/PxOWjQF4Sl
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) December 15, 2024
KK Arnold‘s three was a bright spot, something she hasn’t attempted much so far but is definitely within her range. If she can continue to make that a part of her game, her contributions will add a great deal to the UConn arsenal. Freshmen Morgan Cheli and Allie Ziebell each bagged a three, with Cheli adding 2 steals and Ziebell one. They also added four of UConn’s 15 steals.
Georgetown’s leading scorer Kelsey Ransom, who entered the game shooting 20+ points per game was held to just seven points, seven boards, and three assists. Only Ariel Jenkins and Jaeda Wilson reached double figures, with Jenkins scoring 12 and Wilson 10. The UConn bench outscored Georgetown 22-5. UConn held the Hoyas to 26.3% shooting while grabbing 47.8%. They turned Georgetown over 22 times and scored 30 points while Georgetown only scored two points off of 10 UConn turnovers.
What’s Ahead For UConn and Georgetown
Even after the loss to Notre Dame, UConn is hardly out of the conversation to remain a number one seed for the tournament. There is a lot of basketball to be played, and while the Irish have certainly upped their presence, they have also lost twice. A lot is made of teams playing weak non-conference schedules. This may be true to a certain extent, but once conference play begins, the game changes.
Teams are fighting not only for rankings but for conference domination. So, do the rules change? Maybe. Regardless, UConn and Georgetown will be looking to return to that Big East championship game. This was certainly a good start for the Huskies.
Up next for the Hoyas is a return home to face Maryland Eastern. UConn has a short turnaround and will welcome Iowa State on Tuesday for the Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase held at Mohegan Sun Arena. Fans will have a chance to see Cyclone star sophomore Audi Crooks, who scored 30 points in the Cyclone’s game against Eastern Illinois. How Crooks handles the UConn defense will be intriguing to watch.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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