UConn women’s basketball is through to the Sweet Sixteen after winning its first NCAA Tournament games by a combined 103 points. We dig into the victories over Arkansas State and South Dakota State, discuss whether anyone can stop Paige Bueckers and explain why the Huskies’ fate is in their hands alone. We also preview the regionals, talk about the devastating injury to JuJu Watkins and take a quick look ahead to next season after Azzi Fudd announced her return.
Chasing Perfection: UConn steamrolls through the first two rounds
The Huskies played their best basketball of the season last weekend.
Mar 26, 2025
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Steve Carter9 months ago
I think the “mystery of why Jana doesn’t play” is explained by Geno’s preference for the “small” lineup with Sarah at the 5. Through 2/11 Serah gets 19 min per game average and Jana 11, most of which come in Q4. Also, there is more upside if Serah becomes reliable offensively and a better rebounder. Serah moves her feet on defense and can switch more than Jana.
Sarah, Blanca, Azzi, Ash/Allie, KK/Kayleigh is Geno’s preferred lineup, I think. Serah and Jana are situational, with Serah starting so UCONN can establish the post early free up the shooters and for high low with the bugs against the zone. But It seems that half of UCONN turn rovers are trying to force the ball into Serah.
Your discussion of next year is on point. They’ll miss Azzi, yes. Jana may start but they won’t need her as Geno will again favor Sarah, Blanca, Ash/Allie/Morgan, KK/Kayleigh/maybe Kelis?. Does Ayanna gives them minutes? (I’m not accounting for the freshman as I know nothing about them)
paul zerbst1 year ago
Bill: I agree. It has been about a dozen years. Imagine if this team had Tina Charles! She is on my starting five all-time.
paul zerbst1 year ago
Bill: I am disappointed in El Alfy, but I believe the coaching staff may be at least partially to blame.
Do you recall the last talented "big" UConn has had? I do not. By "big" I mean a strong inside presence.
Bill Hanley1 year ago
Paul, I would suggest Tina Charles, which is why I was hoping that Geno would ask Tina to work with Jana and Ice. I remember one of Dan's videos where Tina was working one-on-one with Aileah Edwards before her senior season.
Walter Kroczak1 year ago
Paul, Bill: If they have to go "small ball," they'll need to shoot the lights out, and outside shooting is usually chancy. Maybe--big maybe!--Ice can come through. But that's still small ball.
paul zerbst1 year ago
For UConn to reach the final they will have to defeat the two best rebounding teams in the country: UCLA and Oklahoma; and UConn is a mediocre rebounding team. They were out rebounded in their three losses; they had a significant rebounding edge in their victory over South Carolina. Hopefully the UConn defense will cause an abundance of turnovers and the offense will continue to play at a high level.
Bill Hanley1 year ago
Is anyone else surprised and disappointed by how little El Alfy has contributed this season. She did not come to UConn advertised as a "project". Although she was red-shirted last year, she attended all practices and games. This year, she had the opportunity to observe, practice against, and witness the superlative skill set of Sara Strong. Yet, whether Jana starts or comes in as a substitute, she does not seem to react quickly as a rebounder or as a defender. She always seems to commit a foul (or two) within minutes. To her credit, she seems eager to contribute. As Paul has mentioned, there are several very physical and large "bigs" in our path who are effective at drawing fouls in the paint. We can't afford to lose Sara to foul trouble.
