Storrs, CT – The UConn Huskies (27-5,16-1) survived and advanced after a near upset to the UCF Knights (26-4, 14-1) in a 52-47 contest.
UConn held a one-possession lead at 26-23 at the end of the first half. However, the Huskies would increase that gap in the third.
An Azzi Fudd three sparked a 9-0 run from UConn to close out the third quarter. This allowed the Huskies to enter the final 10 minutes up 38-30.
Fudd led the team in scoring with a 16-point performance that came with three steals and two blocks as she impacted the defensive end as well.
UConn kept the lead distant until UCF found a spark of their own. Tay Sanders scored from deep, cutting the lead to seven. The Knights found new life.
Diamond Battles put in a solid effort of 12 points from the guard spot, and her teammates put in great work on the rebounding end.
Destiny Thomas and Tay Sanders hauled in 13 rebounds together to help UCF keep their 36-30 rebounding advantage for the game.
After a run to cut the lead to three, UCF had an opportunity to cut the lead to one possession. However, the Huskies caught a huge break after the first free throw was missed. The second included a lane violation that negated the made free throw.
The Huskies then knocked down two free throws. In result, UConn advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for a Division I record 28th time.
DEFENSIVE BATTLE FROM BOTH UNITS
Both teams have been known for their defense all season, and the ability for UCF to hold this UConn offense down gave them a chance to win.
The Huskies as a unit shot 29.2 percent from the field as the pressure from the Knights forced UConn into multiple contested shots.
Superstar Paige Bueckers was held to only nine shots for nine points as Fudd carried the load for the offense with four threes.
UCONN CREATES TURNOVERS AND CONVERTS FREE THROWS
The Huskies were able to win by creating extra possessions for their offense to get to work. UConn finished with 10 blocks and seven steals which helped force 20 turnovers by UCF.
Turnovers can be the difference between winning and losing, especially in the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies took advantage, creating points off turnovers and eventually winning.
The free throw battle also became one of the deciding factors in this game. The Huskies knocked down 18 of their 23 free throws, leaving not many points on the table.
UCF missed 10 of their 20 free throw opportunities. A few more of those being converted could have turned the game in the other direction.
WHAT’S NEXT
UCONN will play their Sweet Sixteen matchup against the three seeded Indiana Hoosiers on March 26. UCF finished their season with just four losses, improving from 20-10 in 2019, and a 16-5 record in 2020. Despite the tough loss in the NCAA Tournament, they have plenty to hold their head high about going forward.
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