NASSAU, Bahamas — Azzi Fudd was getting plenty of opportunities, but shots just weren’t connecting.
Despite missing her first six attempts of the game, the UConn women’s basketball sharpshooter refused to give up.
So when the redshirt junior received the ball from Paige Bueckers at the top of the arc, fans in the Baha Mar Convention Center held their breath. Fudd shot the ball without hesitation, and as soon as it swished through the net, the UConn supporters behind the team’s bench erupted in cheers, leaping to their feet in excitement.
“We’ve been working to get her a three-pointer for the last two games,” Bueckers stated. “So, it’s really wonderful for her to see the ball go in. We just keep encouraging her to keep shooting. It’s on its way.”
This moment drew the biggest cheer of the night during the No. 2-ranked Huskies’ 71-52 victory over Oregon State on Monday in the opening round of the Baha Mar Women’s Championship.
UConn dominated the Beavers in every facet of Monday’s game, showcasing a strong team performance fueled by the added depth from Fudd’s return after her knee injury in November 2023.
While Paige Bueckers had a standout game, scoring 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting, along with three rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 29 minutes, the victory was far from a one-person effort.
Jana El Alfy contributed 12 points, and Ice Brady added six rebounds and five points with two assists and two blocks. Sarah Strong also made an impact with 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and six steals, effectively neutralizing Oregon State’s big players in the paint. Allie Ziebell and Ashlynn Shade hit three-pointers with ease, while Shade, KK Arnold, and Kaitlyn Chen set a strong defensive tone by tightly marking their assignments and aggressively pursuing loose balls.
“This is how UConn has always approached the game—by assisting one another, being selfless, and choosing to pass up something good for something great,” Bueckers stated. “No individual is more important than the team, so we need to keep focusing on that. Improving in this area boosts everyone’s confidence, as it reminds us that any player can shine on any given night. We thrive on that mentality and play through it.”
From the beginning to the end, UConn demonstrated strong teamwork. They communicated effectively on defense, calling out switches, and moved the ball purposefully on offense, finishing the first half with 14 assists on 16 field goals made.
“It’s been surprising how quickly we’ve meshed as a team,” Bueckers noted. “We don’t want to take that for granted or assume that just because we performed well in this game, it will be the same next time.”
The Huskies set the tone early, forcing OSU (1-5) into a shot clock violation on the Beavers’ very first offensive play. OSU did not score until four minutes into the game and fell behind by 20 points early in the second quarter as UConn implemented its press late in the first.
During their first significant challenge of the season, UConn’s big players remained composed and made immediate contributions. The Huskies countered OSU’s size with aggressive defense and precise ball movement, constantly moving and applying pressure that disrupted the Beavers’ rhythm.
OSU’s Sela Heide, who stands 6-foot-7, had a slow start, recording just one rebound in the first eight minutes and adding only two more by halftime. The Washington native didn’t score until the last two minutes of the third quarter. Despite entering the game averaging 7.6 rebounds per game, Heide finished Monday’s matchup with four points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 26 minutes of play.
The Huskies’ frontcourt consistently targeted her, patiently waiting for the right opportunities to present themselves. El Alfy, who is 6-5, maneuvered adeptly around defenders of similar size and larger. She effectively matched up with Heide, demonstrating confidence in boxing her out and using her physicality wisely. Meanwhile, 6-3 Brady showcased her defensive skills by staying close to both Heide and 6-5 Kelsey Rees, preventing either player from gaining significant space.
UConn outperformed OSU on the boards, finishing with 32 rebounds to their 28, and took the edge in points in the paint at 22-18.
“They have the height advantage, so we focused on practicing ways to keep them out of the lane because there’s nothing we can do about it; we can’t get taller,” El Alfy remarked.
Even when UConn’s offense struggled during the third quarter—where OSU outscored them 39-33 in the second half—their defense remained strong, continually surprising the Beavers.
With about four and a half minutes left in the third quarter, Arnold intercepted OSU’s inbound pass and quickly passed to an open Bueckers under the basket for an easy layup. Just seven seconds later, Arnold made another interception, stopping the Beavers from moving past half court on their subsequent inbound.
UConn capitalized on OSU’s mistakes, scoring 24 points from the Beavers’ 24 turnovers.
“I think they are one of the most intelligent teams you’ll find; they have always been that way for us,” OSU head coach Scott Rueck said. “… They capitalize on every mistake you make. Their tenacity is something they’ve always had, and it feels like you’re constantly under pressure. This speaks volumes about their culture and their work ethic, regardless of the score.”
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