Whatever caused the tentative start for UConn in their matchup with Boston University on Thursday was nowhere to be seen versus the South Florida Bulls as the Huskies rolled to a resounding 86-49 victory at a soldout Gampel Pavilion.
South Florida has always been an enjoyable matchup for UConn, even though the Bulls and Coach Jose Fernandez have never beaten the Huskies. The Bulls are a well-coached, hard-playing team with great talent, drawing on an abundance of international players. However, this season’s version of UConn has a very different look and feel.
Even with only two games in the books, UConn looks more determined, bigger, and faster. It is impressive to see a class of freshmen make an immediate impact. Even though Azzi Fudd, Caroline Ducharme, Aubrey Griffin, and Ayanna Patterson have yet to suit up, Geno Auriemma now has something he hasn’t had for a few seasons – a bench.
UConn Led Early On And Did Not Look Back Vs. USF
South Florida struggled to get going. They didn’t score until 7:23 in the first quarter, making it 9-2 UConn. The quarter ended 19-13, which is not an insurmountable lead for the Huskies. Scoring only 12 points in the second quarter, South Florida allowed the Huskies to double them up, ending the half 43-25. The third quarter was all UConn, and although the fourth was a low-scoring period for both teams, UConn’s victory had already been cemented.
Neither team had an overabundance of turnovers, and the points scored off of them were close. The Bulls had only nine fouls called to UConn’s 16. The Huskies held the Bulls to 36.2% shooting, while UConn shot 66.7%. South Florida was a little better on the offensive rebounds, but UConn had 9 steals to South Florida’s 2.
HUSKIES WIN@WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/8vyTDAHQQE
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 10, 2024
Paige Bueckers led the way in scoring, with 22 points on 9/10 FGs. Mama Dembele led the Bulls with 12 points. Sammie Puisis was the only other SF player in double figures with 10. For UConn, Ashlynn Shade scored 15 and Sarah Strong netted 13 points and 7 boards. Jana El Alfy, who made such a splash against BU scored 6 points and had 7 boards, but her impact was present nonetheless.
The other freshmen, Morgan Cheli and Allie Ziebell are still getting used to this level and pace but are doing so in a focused and intense manner. Save for some freshman mistakes, they both blend in well with the UConn program.
The Roster Is Gelling Early On In Storrs
What impresses me most is how much fun they seem to be having playing together. Even with the new players, UConn is playing like a team that has worked together for some time. There is trust on the court. Whether or not this has to do with winning a National Championship remains to be seen, although it is no secret that that is the goal, particularly for Bueckers, who may very likely be the No. 1 pick in next season’s WNBA draft. But there are a lot of games to be played before that, and that’s where the focus is.
Up next, South Florida will welcome Vanderbilt and UConn will head to Greensboro for a matchup with North Carolina.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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