UConn Women’s Basketball Takeaways From Exhibition Win vs Southern Connecticut

The UConn women’s basketball team put on a show in their exhibition game against Southern Connecticut State University, rolling to a 105–39 win. Right from the start, the Huskies played suffocating defense and kept up a fast-paced offense.

They held their opponents to just five points in the first quarter. Almost every player on the roster chipped in, and Coach Geno Auriemma’s squad looked like they’re itching to bring that same energy into the regular season.

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Defense Sets the Tone for UConn’s Victory

UConn’s relentless defense really set the stage. The Huskies forced 32 turnovers and turned 24 steals into 36 points, making it nearly impossible for Southern Connecticut State to get comfortable.

Junior point guard KK Arnold said they’ve been focusing hard on defense in practice lately, and honestly, it showed all game long.

Dominance From Start to Finish

In that first quarter, UConn’s defense only allowed five points. That kind of start just made it clear how the rest of the game would go.

Fans from all over Connecticut—Hartford, Storrs, New Haven, and Bridgeport—got to watch a masterclass in defensive basketball.

Balanced Scoring Across the Roster

One thing that really stood out was the balanced offensive output. Thirteen players scored, and the bench poured in 48 points.

That’s some serious depth, especially with injuries to Morgan Cheli and Gandy Malou-Mamel still lingering.

Key Offensive Performances

Azzi Fudd led all scorers with 21 points, knocking down five threes and adding four assists and five steals. Sophomore Allie Ziebell put up 13 points, blocked a shot, and showed off her instincts on both ends, catching Coach Auriemma’s eye.

Transfer guard Kayleigh Heckel from USC added seven points, four steals, and three assists, settling in fast with UConn’s up-tempo style.

Emerging Talent Making an Impact

Freshman guard Kelis Fisher brought some calm to the backcourt, finishing with five points and staying out of foul trouble. Sarah Strong nearly put up a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists from the forward spot.

Freshman Blanca Quinonez chipped in 12 points, three blocks, and three steals, pushing through six turnovers but still making her presence felt all over the court.

Team Chemistry in the Spotlight

Auriemma took the chance to mix and match multiple lineups, seeing who clicks together before the season really gets going. The offense looked smooth, and that defensive fire could give even the best teams some trouble.

Fans in Danbury, Waterbury, Norwalk, and New Britain are already talking about what this group might do.

Why This Exhibition Matters for UConn’s Season

UConn’s season opener against No. 20 Louisville on November 4 is coming up fast. This exhibition gave Auriemma a real look at player roles and how well everyone adapts—stuff that’ll matter big time against ranked teams.

Depth as a Strategic Weapon

The Huskies’ knack for getting points from both starters and the bench could be their secret weapon this year. If injuries or foul trouble hit, UConn’s deep bench keeps things moving without missing a step.

Looking Ahead

UConn women’s basketball has long set the bar for winning culture in Connecticut. Fans from Hartford County to Fairfield County are watching as the Huskies shift from exhibition games to the real deal.

Strong bench play, even with injuries
Intense defense that forces turnovers
Balanced scoring, which shows off the team’s depth
Key players taking on leadership roles

UConn’s defensive grit and smart offense stand out. Teamwork stays at the heart of their approach.

That exhibition win doesn’t go in the record books, but it sure gave us a peek at what’s brewing in Storrs.

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Here is the source article for this story: What we learned about UConn women’s basketball in dominant exhibition win vs. Southern Connecticut

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