A commanding performance from the University of Connecticut (UConn) led to a decisive 96-66 victory over the University of Tennessee (Tennessee) on March 15, 2024. This result marked the worst loss for the Lady Vols in the storied rivalry, as the top-ranked Huskies showcased their dominance on the court.
UConn, maintaining an undefeated record of 23-0, initially held a narrow lead of 57-53 midway through the third quarter. However, a powerful surge that included the last 14 points of the period allowed them to pull away decisively. This run was sparked by a three-point play from Sarah Strong, who contributed 26 points to the Huskies’ total.
Key Players Drive UConn’s Victory
Strong’s scoring spree was complemented by Azzi Fudd, who led all scorers with 27 points, along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Allie Ziebell also made a significant impact, capping the run with a three-pointer that extended the lead to 71-53 at the end of the third quarter.
Despite a slow start, where UConn jumped out to a 21-5 lead in the first seven minutes, Tennessee fought back to momentarily take control. The Lady Vols outscored UConn 35-15 over a stretch, leading by as many as four points late in the first half. Janiah Barker led Tennessee with 16 points, demonstrating resilience and energy on the court.
UConn managed to regroup and entered halftime tied at 42. The Huskies played without star freshman Blanca Quiñonez, who was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Nevertheless, their depth and skill proved sufficient to maintain their dominance in this rivalry.
Historic Implications and Future Matchups
The defeat marks the second-worst in Tennessee history, surpassed only by a 31-point loss to Texas in 1984. The rivalry between these two teams has been a highlight in women’s basketball for nearly two decades, halting after the 2007 season before rekindling in 2020.
The two programs are set to continue their series over the next two years, promising more exciting encounters. Last season, Tennessee emerged victorious in Knoxville, marking UConn’s last loss before embarking on a run that led to their 12th national championship and a current winning streak of 39 games.
As both teams look forward to future matchups, this latest game serves as a reminder of UConn’s strength in women’s basketball and the enduring competitive spirit within this historic rivalry. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
