The No. 1 ranked UConn women’s basketball team had little trouble with Providence, jumping out to a 21-point lead after the first quarter and finishing with a 90-53 victory in Big East play on Wednesday.
Azzi Fudd had 18 points to lead the Huskies, who improved 14-0 and 5-0 in the Big East. Sarah Strong had five 3-pointers in the first half and finished with 17 points. She added seven rebounds and three assists but had an uncharacteristic five turnovers.
The Huskies, who have won 30 games in a row dating back to 2024, had 16 steals, 41 points off turnovers and 38 points in the paint. They also committed 21 turnovers, eight more than their average.
UConn’s sloppiness on offense may have been because of the absence of starting point guard KK Arnold, who sat out with a nasal fracture. Forward Ayanna Patterson did not play because of a concussion. Both injuries happened in practice Tuesday.
Sabou Gueye scored 12 points and Payton Dunbar and Princess Moody added 11 points each for Providence (8-7, 1-3 Big East).
The Huskies have 39 straight victories over the Friars and 53 in a row against Big East opponents.
Third quarter: UConn 70, Providence 35
The Huskies have doubled up the Friars by outscoring them 22-16 in the quarter. Azzi Fudd now leads UConn in scoring with 18. Sarah Strong has 17 points, seven rebounds and five turnovers.
Providence has 27 turnovers with UConn scoring 39 points off of them.
The Huskies’ lead has been as large as 38 points.
Halftime: UConn 48, Providence 19
The Huskies only outscored the Friars 18-12 in the second quarter. UConn is shooting 60% from the field compared to 26% for Providence.
The Friars have 20 turnovers. The Huskies have cashed in with 28 points off turnovers. They also have 18 points in the paint compared to four for Providence.
Sarah Strong has 15 points and Azzi Fudd 11 points for UConn. Payton Dunbar has 11 points for Providence.
Sarah Strong from 3!!!
UConn forward Sarah Strong has tied her career high with five 3-pointers and it’s only the second quarter.
First quarter: UConn 30, Providence 7
The Huskies went on a 21-0 run to end the first quarter, dominating the Friars. Sarah Strong has 12 points for UConn on 4-of-5 shooting from the 3-point line. Blanca Quiñonez added seven points.
The Huskies have scored 19 points off turnovers and are shooting 65% from the field.
We are underway in Providence
Sarah Strong has six points in the early going as the Huskies have jumped out to an 11-6 lead.
What time is UConn vs Providence?
The UConn Huskies play the Providence Friars on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. ET at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.
UConn vs Providence: Streaming
- Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Time: 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT)
- Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion (Providence, Rhode Island)
- Stream: Peacock
UConn Huskies starting lineup
Providence Friars starting lineup
UConn without starting point guard KK Arnold
Starting point guard KK Arnold sustained a nasal fracture in practice Tuesday and will not be available on Wednesday. She’s averaging 6.9 points, 4.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds for the Huskies.
Forward Ayanna Patterson will miss the game after suffering a concussion Tuesday.
Providence getting amped
UConn in Providence
The Huskies have started their warmups.