The top-ranked UConn Huskies showcased their dominance with a commanding 96-66 victory over the 15th-ranked Tennessee Lady Volunteers on March 10, 2024. This game marked the worst loss in the history of the rivalry for Tennessee, as UConn’s stars, Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, combined for an impressive 53 points.
Early in the match, UConn established a significant lead, jumping ahead 21-5 within the first seven minutes. Fudd, leading the charge, contributed seven rebounds and seven assists during this period. However, Tennessee rallied, outscoring UConn 35-15 over the next twelve minutes to take a brief lead late in the first half. The Lady Vols employed a fast-paced strategy, utilizing frequent substitutions and an aggressive defense to wear down their opponents.
Despite Tennessee’s efforts, the game shifted drastically in the third quarter. With the score at 57-53, UConn unleashed a decisive run, scoring the final 14 points of the period. Strong initiated the surge with a 3-point play, followed by a series of layups that sliced through Tennessee’s defensive pressure. Allie Ziebell capped the impressive streak with a 3-pointer, extending UConn’s lead to 71-53 by the end of the third quarter.
Tennessee struggled to regain control in the fourth quarter, ultimately facing their largest defeat against UConn, surpassing their previous record of a 23-point loss in 2002. This defeat stands as the second-worst in Lady Vols history, only exceeded by a 31-point loss to Texas in 1984. Janiah Barker led Tennessee with 16 points but could not change the outcome of the game.
Missing from UConn’s lineup was star freshman Blanca Quinonez, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Despite this setback, UConn’s depth and talent shone through, allowing them to secure an important victory. The two teams will continue their rivalry for the next two years, having rekindled their series in 2020 after a hiatus since 2007.
The recent match was particularly significant as Tennessee had defeated UConn in their last meeting, which had been the Huskies’ only loss on their way to a national championship and a current 39-game winning streak. Tennessee aims to bounce back when they face the 23rd-ranked Georgia in Athens on March 14, while UConn prepares to challenge DePaul on March 12.
This decisive victory not only highlights UConn’s prowess but also sets the stage for an intriguing continuation of the rivalry in the coming years. The performance of Fudd and Strong reaffirms UConn’s status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, leaving fans eager for what lies ahead.
