After a successful trip to the Bahamas, the UConn Huskies returned home to face the Holy Cross Crusaders. Now, if whatever happened between the fourth quarter against Ole Miss and the first quarter against Holy Cross occurs again, the Huskies are going to have a tough time against ranked opponents.
The first quarter was, in a word, abysmal. Neither team could find the hoop. Holy Cross held a 10-6 lead until Jana El Alfy made a layup and Morgan Cheli hit a three, putting UConn up 11-10 at quarter’s end. The faces of coach Geno Auriemma and coach Chris Dailey were of stunned subdued anger. Rightly so.
Whatever was said in the huddle afterward apparently sank in quickly, as the Huskies played a much better second quarter, as did the Crusaders. I’m sure both coaches’ halftime “chats” were lively and direct. UConn proceeded to double up Holy Cross in the third 24-12, and blew them out 31-13 in the fourth, taking the 88-52 victory.
A “Strong” Performance By UConn
This was an off night for Paige Bueckers, who ended with 11 points, seven boards, five assists, and three steals. However, it was freshman Sarah Strong who led the way with a game-high 22 points. Strong plays with such confidence that it is easy at times to forget that she’s just a freshman.
Grad transfer Kaitlyn Chen scored 14 points with three 3s and seven assists. Azzi Fudd, who is still on a minutes restriction, scored seven but looks stronger and more confident with each game. The UConn bench had a better night, scoring a total of 27 points. Morgan Cheli hit a pair of 3s and scored eight, as did KK Arnold going 4-7.
HUSKIES WIN@WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/0vBCjWbaXM
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) December 4, 2024
Holy Cross came out looking strong and unafraid, and throughout the game, had moments of solid basketball. They just were not scoring enough. Only Lindsay Berger and Kaitlyn Flanagan hit double figures, scoring 12 and 10 respectively.
The Crusaders couldn’t handle the UConn defense (which in this game was inconsistent) and committed 21 turnovers to UConn’s six. Holy Cross only scored three points off of turnovers, while the Huskies scored 29. UConn came away with 53.8% shooting and held Holy Cross to 40.8%.
What’s Next For UConn and Holy Cross?
So, is there a reason for UConn fans to be concerned? No. This is a resilient team, well aware of what they need to do as they enter into a difficult stretch of games, facing Louisville, Notre Dame, Georgetown, Iowa State, and USC. What is encouraging is how they responded after that forgettable first quarter. Even with a slow night for Bueckers, others stepped up. The final score is a good indication of that. As difficult as the next five games will be, it is not an insurmountable task.
The Crusaders will next welcome the Stony Brook Seawolves to Hart Center in Worcester, Massachusetts on Sunday.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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