The Hypersonic Huskies Earn 4th Big East Win

UConn's Nika Mühl expresses her love for the game today against Xavier. Credit: Jessica Hill, Associated Press. 

At the XL Center, in downtown Hartford, UConn fans got to experience the most energetic games the No.10 nationally ranked Huskies have played this season. Out-shooting the Xavier Musketeers in every quarter, the Huskies were quick on the draw to score 28 points off of turnovers. Ranked first in the Big East, the Huskies earned their fourth conference win, winning three in the past week. Freshman Caroline Ducharme and senior Olivia Nelson-Ododa produced quite the show and gave their fans what they paid to see.

Starting with Nelson-Ododa, the senior lead the team in blocks earning her a spot in the Huskie records. She earned eight this afternoon beating her career-high. From the paint, she grabbed six rebounds on defense to keep the Musketeers from earning any additional shots. Nelson-Ododa also had 5 steals, in typical Nika Mühl style, and earned 4 assists.

There is always a freshman that joins the UConn roster each year that has a dynamic impact on the team. This year, the quiet yet effervescent Caroline Ducharme has taken this program to three consecutive wins. She averages 10.3 points per game, scoring 20 today. Ducharme added 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Her presence on the court has helped the Huskies improve dramatically since their last loss to Louisville in December. She had a career-high 24 points that game.

UConn's Olivia Nelson-Ododa (20) goes for a layup around two Xavier defenders. Credit: Jessica Hill, Associated Press.

Senior Christyn Williams has had quite the comeback in the past three games for the Huskies. Maybe her new wicked cool hairdo has brought this new passion for her in her senior season. She began the game by scoring a three-pointer off the right corner. A quick spring to her step today had Williams scoring 19 points. She had 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. William's offensive influence today helped the Huskies win their 165th straight conference win. At the half, the Huskies led 48-23.

In the third quarter, the Huskies started the second half scoring off of nine straight points. They earned their thirty-point lead over the Musketeers and out-shot Xavier 14-6. Then the fourth quarter came and Piath Gabriel got to start the quarter. Gabriel has not gotten much playing this season and had to sit out for a few games due to academic reasons. The 6’5 sophomore from Manchester, New Hampshire played with such grace and confidence that fans have been waiting to see. The Huskies made smart plays to find Gabriel open at the post and scored 9 of the Huskies' 16 points in the final quarter. She also grabbed five rebounds this afternoon.

Amari DeBerry (42) and Piath Gabriel, far right, complete a two-man block against Xavier's Megan Harkey (31). Credit: Meg Kelly, UConn Athletics. 

While senior Evina Westbrook did not get as much playing as she usually does, her presence in the fourth quarter showed her leadership as a senior. She was on the floor with Aaliyah Edwards, Gabriel, Amari DeBerry, and Williams. The height that DeBerry and Gabriel have, standing at 6’5, could be a key advantage for Auriemma. Their wingspans combined could easily create perfect two-man blocks to slow down their opponent’s scoring. DeBerry earned four blocks in her five minutes off the bench today, scoring two points.

As the Huskies continue to improve immensely, they have to continue to watch how they are causing their own turnovers. While they have been successful at scoring off their opponent's mistakes, simple travels of lane violations brought up the number the Huskies caused for themselves today. The forwards, even the guards to not discredit them, have done an impeccable job at blocking shots that do not draw fouls. Charge calls for the best to Ducharme today but those are easy to review and learn off of.

(L-R) Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Amari DeBerry cheered from the bench as teammate Piath Gabriel takes the Huskies on an 8-0 run in the fourth. Credit: Meg Kelly, UConn Athletics.

In terms of injured players, Mühl was able to play 24 minutes. While fans do not know the whole story, her previous injury could still be a persistent knack while playing. Freshman Azzi Fudd began running this past week at practice. It is hopeful Fudd will return in the next week. Sophomore Paige Bueckers had a successful doctor's appointment early this week and is off crutches. She has a gnarly knee brace to help support her leg. Bueckers was seen taking some shots in the pre-game. No set timeline for her return.

Who do the Huskies face next? Tomorrow the team travels to Eugene, Oregon to face the Ducks on Monday night. The Ducks have also dealt with player injuries and Covid on their squad. They are 8-5 this season. Friday night hosts the Seton Hall Pirates at Gample Pavilion for their second Big East matchup. On Sunday, the Huskies travel to play St. John’s. 

The UConn Huskies are currently the No.10 ranked team in the nation. They are No.1 in the Big East as the only undefeated conference team.