Facing their first-ranked opponent, the UConn Huskies met the UNC Tarheels at the Greensboro Complex with two objectives: 1) get the win, and 2) give Coach Geno Auriemma his 1216th win, tying former Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer’s record for most wins in Division 1 men’s or women’s basketball. While the Huskies accomplished both, the game was not without its moments when it looked as though they might not.
For three quarters, UConn had a comfortable lead, but with 1:25 left in the third quarter, UNC brought the lead from 21 down to 16. From there, the shooting for the Huskies went horribly cold, and the Tarheels managed to trim UConn’s lead down to 9 points. The Huskies were held scoreless for four minutes, but it was a tip shot from Jana El Alfy that gave them a spark, and UConn was able to keep UNC at arm’s length to come away with the 69-58 win.
Bueckers and Strong Led The Way For UConn Vs. UNC
Paige Bueckers had an outstanding game, leading all scorers with 29 points. In their first two games, UConn got significant contributions from the bench. This wasn’t the case against UNC. The bench only contributed five points, and the only other player in double figures was Sarah Strong, who recorded her first double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
UNC was led by Indya Nivar with 15 points. The usually dangerous Lexi Donarski and Alyssa Ustby were held to a total of 8 points. The Tarheel bench added 21 points.
HUSKIES WIN@WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/bUfn6W69GA
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 16, 2024
Although this was a low-scoring game, both teams had their moments. The late charge by the Tarheels was an indication of what they can accomplish, and the first-quarter scoring for the Huskies was a picture of what they will need to accomplish consistently to get to Tampa for the Final Four. Both are talented teams and even though UNC made a late effort, it was the resolve of UConn that gave them the game.
Is Bueckers a potential POY? Without question. Can UNC regroup and climb in the standings? Yes, they can. Will Ustby and Donarski have better games? No doubt. How different is UConn going to look when the injured players are finally able to take the court? There are a lot of potential points sitting on the sidelines waiting to contribute.
What’s Next For The UConn Huskies and UNC Tarheels?
Overall, we’re seeing a UConn team that has more weapons which translates into a lot more potential. The freshmen, who, except for Strong, had an empty night, have shown glimpses of their ability to contribute. For both teams, it is early enough in the season that despite the low score, they will each continue to solve the issues they need to and continue winning trajectories.
Up next for UConn is a home game where they will welcome the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights on November 20. The Tarheels meet the Ball State Cardinals on November 23rd in the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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