Sarah Strong shines with 22 points as UConn defeats Holy Cross
- UConn outscored Holy Cross by 30 points in the second half of the game.
- Sarah Strong led UConn with 22 points, while Kaitlyn Chen and Paige Bueckers also made significant contributions.
- This victory extends UConn's undefeated streak, showcasing their offensive strength and teamwork.
On December 3, 2024, in Storrs, Connecticut, the University of Connecticut (UConn) women's basketball team earned a commanding 88-52 victory against Holy Cross. The game illustrated UConn's offensive prowess, particularly in the second half, where they outscored their opponents by 30 points. Freshman Sarah Strong was the standout player, scoring 22 points and helping elevate UConn's game after a modest first-half performance. Despite trailing by only six points at halftime, UConn surged ahead, showcasing their superior shooting and teamwork. UConn, ranked No. 2 nationally, displayed an impressive performance, especially after a close first half where they managed only 33 points. Notably, they made a significant improvement in their three-point shooting, hitting 14 three-pointers throughout the game. This marked a turnaround from their previous game against Ole Miss, where they only made three out of fourteen attempts from beyond the arc. The Huskies also recorded an impressive number of assists, finishing with 27 assists on 35 field goals made, indicating effective ball distribution and teamwork. Holy Cross, despite the loss, put up a commendable effort. They managed to stay competitive in the first half, becoming the only team this season to fall within single digits of UConn at halftime. Lindsay Berger and Kaitlyn Flanagan led the charge for Holy Cross, contributing 12 and 10 points, respectively. Their early performance and defensive strategies demonstrated a solid understanding of UConn's playing style. However, after coming within four points early in the second half, they struggled to maintain their momentum against UConn's aggressive and skilled roster. The match highlighted the return of Azzi Fudd, who made her first start of the season after recovering from a knee injury that had sidelined her for the initial part of the season. Fudd contributed seven points in 18 minutes of play, marking an important milestone in her return to competitive basketball. The victory pushed UConn to a spotless 7-0 record, further solidifying their status as a serious contender in the NCAA. As Holy Cross prepares for their next game against Stony Brook, UConn looks ahead to a challenging matchup against Louisville in the Women’s Champions Classic, set to take place on December 7, 2024.