However, today’s game against Villanova was an exception. The Wildcats came in with a fearless, nothing-to-lose attitude, even taking the lead a few times in the first half. Ultimately, though, UConn pulled away for an 82-54 win and another ticket to the championship game—something they’ve done every year since rejoining the Big East in 2020-21.
Villanova made UConn work for it, at least for a little while. And honestly? That’s probably a good thing. “When games are played where you’re able to function without any kind of pressure whatsoever, the game is easier,” Geno Auriemma said postgame.
UConn responded like the powerhouse they are, going on a late second-quarter surge to take a 47-37 lead at halftime. That was the beginning of a 16-minute stretch where Villanova didn’t make a single field goal. Auriemma lit into his players in the second quarter, emphasizing defense, and at halftime, he kept it simple: tighten up and execute. And the team did get the message, as Azzi admits.
“It was kind of like that wake-up call that we needed,” Azzi Fudd said after the game. “We can’t have any other halves, any quarters, any stretches with our defense being like that.”
“We can’t have any other halves, any quarters, any little stretches with our defense being like that”
Azzi Fudd talks about the “wake-up call” UConn got from Villanova in the first half: pic.twitter.com/uWpri199i5
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) March 9, 2025
No doubt, Fudd’s words echoed Auriemma’s perspective. And it worked too. UConn locked in defensively, while Paige Bueckers dropped 21 of her 23 points in the first half, leading the charge offensively. Following her was Sarah Strong with her 20 points and Fudd with 14 points contribution.
UConn has always understood that neighborhood fights prepare you for bigger battles. The old Big East was ruthless. Some years, winning this tournament was tougher than the NCAA run itself. Now? Not so much. But even in a weaker conference, UConn finds ways to keep sharpening itself.
Up next, they’ll try to make it 36 straight conference tournament wins and secure their 30th conference title—23rd in the Big East. For the upcoming game, Huskies will be locking horns against the Creighton team in the championship game. But, lets be real, this isn’t Muffet McGraw’s Notre Dame from the 2000s and 2010s. Still, Sunday’s minor challenge against Villanova was a good reminder that staying sharp matters.
“You don’t get a lot of these,” Auriemma said of competitive games. “Sometimes you go through a couple weeks and you don’t get a lot of opportunities. So it was really good. Hopefully it pays off [Monday] or next week.” History says UConn will show up and dominate—just as they always do. And while all eyes are on the tournament, there’s another looming question: What’s next for Azzi Fudd?
Azzi Fudd’s future looms as UConn’s biggest off-court storyline
With Paige Bueckers likely declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft, Fudd’s decision becomes the real talking point. It was revealed on February 28 that while Fudd will take part in UConn’s Senior Day, she hasn’t decided if she’s entering the draft or returning for another college season.
No doubt, injuries have hampered her time at UConn, and there’s a case to be made that another year could help her fully develop before leaping the WNBA.
So, when asked if he thinks she’s ready, Auriemma had an interesting take. “Do I think she’s ready? Um, I mean, I’ve always thought to myself that players have to be tremendously confident when they leave here about what the next step for them is,” Auriemma said.
“And I just want her to make sure that she’s played enough basketball here, done enough things, tested herself enough, that she feels completely 100% ready to go. And… kids may ask my opinion, but in the end, they’re going to have to make that decision.”
Not exactly a definitive yes. So while UConn is busy dominating another Big East Tournament, the real drama might be unfolding off the court. Fudd has a big decision ahead—one that could shape the future of both UConn and her own career.
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