STORRS, Conn. — In a dominant display that underscored UConn's enduring dynasty in women's college basketball, star guard Azzi Fudd erupted for a career-high-tying 34 points, propelling the top-seeded Huskies to a resounding 98-45 victory over ninth-seeded Syracuse in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Monday night at Gampel Pavilion.
This win marked UConn's 32nd consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16, a testament to the program's unparalleled consistency under coach Geno Auriemma. Fudd, playing her final game at the Storrs arena before heading to the WNBA as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, saved her best for last, scoring 26 of those points in the first half alone. Her performance helped extend the Huskies' current winning streak to 52 games, the fifth-longest in Division I history, positioning them just four victories away from an undefeated season and back-to-back national titles.
The game quickly turned into a rout as UConn unleashed a ferocious 31-0 run in the second quarter, capped by Fudd's sharpshooting from beyond the arc. She connected on four of her eight three-pointers during that stretch, finishing the night 13-of-18 from the field and 8-of-11 from three-point range. The Huskies entered halftime leading 65-12, the second-largest margin in NCAA tournament history, leaving the Syracuse Orange shell-shocked and scoreless for over 10 minutes.
"I felt like I reached flow state for a second," Fudd said after the game. "My teammates were just finding me, setting me great screens ... I feel like I wasn't really thinking. When I was open, I was like, 'OK, I'm going to shoot it.'" Her poise under pressure was evident, as she also contributed five assists, four steals, and three rebounds, showcasing her all-around impact on the floor.
Fudd's explosion came on the heels of a frustrating opening-round performance against UTSA two days earlier, where she picked up three first-quarter fouls and sat most of the first half, finishing with just seven points on 3-for-9 shooting. Auriemma, known for his motivational tactics, tried to lighten the mood by suggesting she trim her fingernails to improve her shot. "It'll make the ball happy, and the ball will like you, and you'll make more shots," he jested. Fudd and teammate Ice Brady reportedly looked at him skeptically, but Auriemma insisted, "Look, I don't believe it either, but it's worth trying."
Whatever the reason—be it superstition, preparation, or sheer talent—Fudd and the Huskies responded with authority. UConn's first half was a masterclass in execution, shooting 66% from the field with 20 assists on 27 made baskets. Their defensive intensity was equally impressive, forcing 13 steals and turning Syracuse over repeatedly. The Orange, led by top scorer Uche Izoje's 12 points, struggled to find any rhythm against the Huskies' pressure.
Auriemma, rarely at a loss for words even in victory, was uncharacteristically brief at halftime. "It was just kind of funny for [Auriemma] to walk in with no comments," said junior guard Ashlynn Shade. "He kind of laughed, and we were like, 'OK!' He was just like, 'Great half of basketball.'" The coach later elaborated on the team's synergy, noting, "When you have really good players that want to play together and they want to share the ball, things like that can happen."
He praised the performance as one of the best 20-minute stretches he's seen in his storied career. "We were pretty focused, and we were pretty locked in together," Auriemma said. "That's the best half of basketball, best 20 minutes, that I've seen in a long, long time from our team. Not just this team, it's happened other times, but this is about as good as it gets." The Huskies' unselfishness and defensive prowess created a snowball effect, turning turnovers into easy transition points and keeping the crowd of Husky faithful roaring throughout.
Supporting Fudd's heroics were sophomore forward Sarah Strong, who tallied 18 points and nine rebounds, and freshman sensation Blanca Quiñonez, who added 18 points and four assists off the bench. Their contributions highlighted the depth that has defined UConn's success, allowing the team to maintain dominance even as Syracuse mounted occasional pushes in the second half. The Orange, making their first NCAA appearance since 2019, couldn't keep pace, finishing the game outmatched in every statistical category.
This victory adds another chapter to UConn's remarkable tournament pedigree. The Huskies, who entered the postseason as the overwhelming favorites after a flawless regular season, have now advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 32nd straight year—a streak that began in 1993 and has included 11 national championships. Auriemma's program has become synonymous with excellence, producing WNBA stars and setting benchmarks that few programs can match.
Syracuse, under coach Felisha Legette-Jack, showed flashes of potential but was overwhelmed by UConn's experience and talent. Izoje's 12 points were the high mark for the Orange, but the team shot poorly and committed numerous turnovers under the Huskies' relentless defense. Post-game, Legette-Jack acknowledged the disparity, saying her team fought hard but faced a juggernaut.
Looking ahead, UConn will face fourth-seeded North Carolina on Friday in the Portland regional for a berth in the Elite Eight. The Tar Heels advanced with a gritty win over Maryland, setting up what promises to be a challenging matchup. North Carolina's balanced attack, led by players like Alyssa Ustby and Deja Kelly, will test the Huskies' depth, but UConn's current form suggests they are primed for another deep run.
Fudd's performance in her Gampel farewell not only secured the win but also served as a poignant bookend to her college career at UConn. As she prepares for the professional ranks, her legacy with the Huskies—marked by clutch shooting and leadership—will endure. Auriemma reflected on the moment, saying, "You just marvel at the things that they can do when they're all in sync, because it doesn't happen very often, or often enough. But what I was watching that first half, I knew I was watching something that was pretty."
The broader context of women's college basketball underscores UConn's dominance amid a growing landscape of competitive programs. While teams like South Carolina and Iowa have challenged the status quo in recent years, the Huskies remain the gold standard, with their 52-game streak evoking memories of past eras of invincibility. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether UConn can cap this season with another title, continuing a legacy that inspires generations.
In Storrs, the celebration was tempered by the knowledge that the road to the Final Four is never easy. Yet with players like Fudd leading the charge, the Huskies appear unstoppable, one dominant performance at a time.