Azzi Fudd erupted for 27 points and Sarah Strong added 23 to lead No. 1 UConn to a 90-64 victory over 11th-ranked Iowa in the opening game of the Women’s Champions Classic.
UConn’s Overwhelming Performance
The Huskies, unbeaten at 12-0 heading into the holiday break, took control early. Strong, the sensational sophomore, poured in 20 points and five steals in the first half, helping UConn build a 42-31 lead. After a 22-12 advantage in the first quarter, Iowa closed the gap to within six in the second, but Strong’s defensive prowess kept them at bay. She scored seven points in a 10-2 run that pushed the Huskies’ lead to 35-20 midway through the quarter, and on one play she stole the ball and sprinted the length of the court for a lay-in.
Iowa never again closed the gap, remaining at least nine points behind for the rest of the game. Fudd, who had 21 of her 27 points in the second half, helped the Huskies surge ahead. UConn scored the first six points of the third quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Key Stats
- Azzi Fudd – 27 points, 21 in the second half
- Sarah Strong – 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals, 20 points in the first half
- UConn’s record – 12-0, undefeated at home
- Iowa’s record – 10-2, dropped two of their last three games
Louisville’s Rout of Tennessee
In the doubleheader opener, No. 16 Louisville routed 17th-ranked Tennessee 89-65. The Cardinals’ victory added another high-scoring win to their season, further cementing their status as one of the top teams in the country.
Iowa’s Season Context
Iowa’s loss to UConn was part of a stretch that saw the Hawkeyes drop two of their last three games, including a defeat to in-state rival No. 10 Iowa State. Guard Kylie Feuerbach suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter and did not return. Hannah Stuelke scored 17 points and Chazadi Wright added 16 for Iowa.
The Hawkeyes finished the game at 10-2. Their next matchup is a home game against Penn State on Sunday, Dec. 28.
UConn’s Upcoming Challenges
The Huskies will visit Butler on Sunday, Dec. 28. After the holiday break, UConn has two ranked games remaining on its schedule: a home contest against No. 17 Tennessee and a game against 20th-ranked Notre Dame.
Key Takeaways
- UConn remains unbeaten, with a dominant 90-64 win over Iowa
- Strong’s defensive and offensive contributions were pivotal
- Louisville secured a convincing 89-65 victory over Tennessee
- Iowa’s season includes recent losses to Iowa State and a defensive setback due to Feuerbach’s injury
- Upcoming games: Iowa vs. Penn State; UConn vs. Butler, Tennessee, and Notre Dame
The Women’s Champions Classic showcased top-tier talent and set the stage for the remainder of the season, with UConn and Louisville positioned as frontrunners in the rankings.
Closing Thoughts
With their unbeaten record intact and a strong lineup, UConn looks poised to continue its dominance. Meanwhile, Iowa’s resilience will be tested as they prepare to face Penn State, and Louisville’s momentum from the doubleheader will carry into future matchups. The season’s narrative is already unfolding, and fans can anticipate more high-stakes basketball as the holidays approach.
