The top-seeded Huskies aim to extend their Sweet 16 streak against a familiar rival.
Category: Sports
STORRS, Conn. – The top-seeded UConn women's basketball team is set to host No. 9 seed Syracuse on Monday evening at Gampel Pavilion, aiming to continue their dominance and secure a spot for the Sweet 16. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN and the UConn Sports Network.
UConn enters this matchup with an impressive 35-0 record, marking their 23rd appearance at the NCAA Tournament and their 15th time being the No. 1 seed. The Huskies have been a force to reckon with, boasting a remarkable 32-2 record all-time during the Second Round of the tournament and winning 31 consecutive Second Round games. With a history of 142 wins against just 24 losses, UConn holds the title for the winningest record across NCAA women's basketball.
The Huskies are coming off a commanding 90-52 victory over No. 16 seed UTSA, where sophomore Sarah Strong led the team with 18 points, supported by freshman Blanca Quiñonez with 15 points off the bench and junior Ashlynn Shade contributing 14 points. This win also marked UConn's 32nd straight First Round victory, reinforcing their status among the elite teams.
UConn and Syracuse share a storied rivalry, having faced off numerous times during their days together within the BIG EAST. The Huskies hold a commanding 40-13 advantage against the Orange, having won the last 27 encounters, including a 72-64 victory during the 2024 NCAA Second Round. This upcoming game will be the fifth time these teams have clashed during the NCAA Tournament, with four of these matchups occurring during the Second Round.
Syracuse, coming off a solid performance against No. 8 seed Iowa State, where they emerged victorious with a score of 72-63, looks to upset the reigning champions. Freshman center Uche Izoje led the Orange with an impressive 23 points, complemented by sophomore guard Olivia Schmitt, who scored 15 points, including five consecutive three-pointers during the game.
Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack, now entering her fourth season, is determined to lead her team to a second Sweet 16 appearance, their first since 2016. The Orange have made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament eight times out of their last nine appearances, boasting a season record of 24-8.
Legette-Jack, who has a deep connection to UConn, was recruited by head coach Geno Auriemma during her playing days but chose to become an All-American at Syracuse instead. The two coaches have a mutual respect for each other, and both understand the significance of this matchup.
“They’re a little bit different than they were two years ago. We’re a little bit different than we were two years ago,” Auriemma said. “But our style of play is the same. Theirs is not that different; ours is not that much different. It’s not an easy one tomorrow.”
Returning players from the 2024 matchup, including UConn's Shade and KK Arnold, are eager to build on their past experiences. Shade recalled the intensity of the previous game, where Arnold hit a clutch three-pointer with just 29 seconds left to secure the win for UConn. “I was probably like mouth open, hands up, just like, jumping up and down,” Shade said, reminiscing about that decisive moment.
Arnold, who has been a key contributor for the Huskies, echoed that sentiment, stating, “I just mentioned how nostalgic it was playing that game. Great memories and a great atmosphere we had; I can’t wait for the same atmosphere.”
For Syracuse, junior guard Sophia Burrows stands out, being the only player from the 2024 game who is still on the roster. She scored six three-pointers during that match and is ready to face UConn again. “I definitely remembered just the atmosphere. I’d never played with that big of a crowd or anything like that,” Burrows said, emphasizing the excitement of playing against a powerhouse like UConn.
Dominique Darius, Syracuse's starting point guard, will not be available for this matchup due to a finger injury that required surgery. Nonetheless, she has been an invaluable mentor for her teammates, providing guidance and support from the sidelines. “I trust my teammates and what they are able to do out there,” Darius said, highlighting her commitment to the team.
UConn's defensive prowess has been a hallmark of their success, leading the nation with a field goal percentage of 52.43% and limiting opponents to just 50.4 points per game. They have not lost a game at Gampel Pavilion for 51 consecutive NCAA Tournament matches, a streak that they aim to extend against Syracuse.
With the stakes high and the history between these two teams, the upcoming clash promises to be an exhilarating contest. The winner will advance to face No. 4 UNC on Friday, with the chance to continue their pursuit of the championship. “This is what happens during the NCAA Tournament,” Auriemma remarked. “People come out of nowhere, and they do things that are memorable.”
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, with tickets available through the UConn athletic website. This matchup showcases the talent of both teams and the enduring legacy of UConn women's basketball.