Azzi Fudd drops 31 with Sarah Strong’s career night as UConn takes care of Michigan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Friday night’s showdown at Mohegan Sun Arena lived up to its billing as No. 6 Michigan entered 4-0 and looked to challenge undefeated No. 1 UConn, who came in at 4-0 and seeking another early-season statement.
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With Paige Bueckers now in the WNBA after going first overall to the Dallas Wings, Azzi Fudd has become the new star for the Huskies, and she embraced that role again in one of the marquee matchups of the Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase.
UConn looked every bit like the nation’s top program early, dominating the first quarter with a smothering defensive effort that held Michigan to just five points. The Huskies opened the game on a 22-5 run, controlling the pace and the glass.
Sarah Strong was impactful, delivering a career-high and showcase-record 20 rebounds, anchoring UConn inside and creating second-chance opportunities throughout the first half. Her rebounding presence helped UConn build a secure 20-point lead, which was their largest of the night.
At halftime, the duo of Strong and Fudd had dictated much of the game, helping UConn outrebound Michigan 47–43 overall while limiting their inside scoring to just 26 points in the paint.
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But the Wolverines responded with a massive surge in the second half. Michigan flipped the momentum in the third quarter, outscoring UConn 18-4 in what became the Huskies’ worst scoring quarter of the season.
Michigan’s shot 36 percent from the field and an impressive 12-of-32 from three, while their defensive pressure forced UConn into 17 turnovers. Those giveaways fueled 22 Michigan points, bringing the game back within reach entering the fourth.
Syla Swords carried the Wolverines throughout the comeback, finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds, and a 9-of-21 shooting performance that kept the game tight in the final minutes. Olivia Olson added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, helping Michigan win key hustle categories such as offensive boards (15–13). Still, despite the surge, the Wolverines never led at any point.
Ultimately, the night belonged to Azzi Fudd. The Huskies guard took command late, scoring 31 points on 9-of-20 shooting while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, part of UConn’s 91 percent mark at the stripe. Her determination in the closing possessions secured a 72-69 victory and delivered UConn the Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase title in front of 6,312 fans.
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UConn improves to 5-0, surviving its toughest challenge yet, while Michigan falls to 4-1 but leaves with validation as a legitimate threat on the national stage.
