The UConn Huskies and the Oregon State Beavers met in Nassau for the Baha Mar Women’s Championship Monday night, and the Huskies walked away with a 71-52 win.
UConn dominated the Beavers in the first half, outscoring them 42-19. The second half might have seemed a little lackluster for UConn, but that can be chalked up to Coach Geno Auriemma trying a variety of lineups. Although Oregon State put up a good fight, they couldn’t match Connecticut’s defense, which forced 24 Beaver turnovers to UConn’s 9.
One of the questions coming into this game was how Connecticut would respond to the Oregon State size. Sela Heide, a 6’7″ senior, and Kelsey Rees, a 6’5″ senior, the two inside players presented the biggest threat, but UConn held them both to a collective 14 points. This test was for Jana El Alfy and Ice Brady, who showed they could match up with the Beaver Bigs.
El Alfy had a better scoring game than the last two but is still learning. She scored 12 points in 14 minutes but only got two boards. Brady has shown a marked improvement over last season and scored five points, six boards, and two blocks. Brady looks far more comfortable on the court and is playing a stronger game.
Bueckers and Strong Shine For UConn In The Win Over Oregon State
It is no secret that Oregon State was decimated by the transfer window, and coach Scott Ruech has the challenge of bringing the Beavers back to being a competitive team. Senior AJ Marotte provides good on-court leadership, and even though they were no match for the Husky defense, there is enough talent there to build upon.
HUSKIES WIN@WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/5mcIDnDFx2
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 26, 2024
Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong led the way for UConn, with Bueckers scoring 23 and Strong 13, including eight boards, six steals, and two blocks. Newly returned Azzi Fudd scored her first three-pointer on a feed from Bueckers, allowing Fudd to break the ice in her return to the court.
The UConn freshmen are still feeling their way, but the talent is certainly there, and Auriemma has more weapons now than in recent years. When the injured players return, UConn’s arsenal will be even more palpable.
Up next, UConn will face a very tenacious Ole Miss, and Oregon State will meet Boston College in the Baha Mar tournament.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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