The University of Connecticut (UConn) achieved a resounding victory over the University of Tennessee, winning 96-66 on March 10, 2024, in Hartford, Connecticut. This defeat marks the worst loss for the Lady Vols in the long-standing rivalry, surpassing a previous 23-point loss to UConn in 2002.
UConn, ranked No. 1 nationally, showcased their dominance early, with standout performances from Azzi Fudd, who scored 27 points, and Sarah Strong, who added 26 points. The Huskies maintained an unblemished record of 23-0 this season.
The game took a decisive turn midway through the third quarter when UConn held a narrow 57-53 lead. They then launched a formidable 14-point run to extend their advantage significantly. Strong initiated this surge with a three-point play, followed by aggressive drives that exploited Tennessee’s defensive pressure. Allie Ziebell capped the run with a three-pointer, pushing the score to 71-53 as the teams entered the final quarter.
Tennessee struggled to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Janiah Barker leading the Lady Vols with 16 points. The defeat marks Tennessee’s second-worst loss in program history, only eclipsed by a 31-point setback against Texas in 1984.
UConn’s strong start saw them jump to a 21-5 lead within the first seven minutes. Fudd’s contributions included seven rebounds and seven assists, establishing her as a key player in the matchup. Despite a slow start, Tennessee managed to outscore UConn 35-15 during a crucial stretch, briefly taking a four-point lead before halftime, and the teams entered the locker room tied at 42.
The absence of UConn’s star freshman, Blanca Quiñonez, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury, added an element of challenge for the Huskies. Nonetheless, UConn’s depth and resilience shone through, allowing them to secure a decisive win.
The rivalry between UConn and Tennessee, once considered the premier matchup in women’s basketball, has seen a resurgence since their series was renewed in 2020 after a hiatus following the 2007 season. Tennessee claimed victory in their previous meeting last season in Knoxville, which was pivotal in UConn’s journey to their 12th national championship.
Both teams are set to continue their rivalry for the next two years, promising further thrilling encounters in women’s collegiate basketball. The significance of this matchup underscores both teams’ storied histories and competitive spirit.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
