The UConn women’s basketball team commenced their Big East campaign with a resounding 88-62 triumph over the Butler Bulldogs at the XL Center on Monday, marking an impressive start to their season.
Despite falling behind by a single point in the opening quarter, the Huskies orchestrated a stunning turnaround as Butler’s proficiency in three-point shooting waned. With a commanding score of 65-33 over the remaining 27 minutes of the game, UConn emerged victorious.
Ashlynn Shade put forth an outstanding performance, achieving a career-high of 22 points, including four 3-pointers – a personal best for her. Paige Bueckers contributed 16 points and seven assists, while Aubrey Griffin continued her exceptional form from Saturday with 14 points on a remarkable 5-6 shooting. Aaliyah Edwards also made a significant impact with a double-double, scoring 12 points and securing 12 rebounds.
Butler commenced with fervor, sinking five out of six of their first 3-point attempts in the opening quarter, acquiring a 21-20 lead. Nevertheless, UConn’s balanced scoring effort and excellent ball movement, with all but one basket being assisted, kept them in the game in the first period.
The Bulldogs sustained their momentum in the second quarter and even extended their lead to six points at one point. However, UConn’s defense intensified, compelling six turnovers that impeded Butler’s offense and allowed them to score merely two baskets in the final 7:16 of the first half.
On the offensive front, UConn took control with an 11-0 run, predominantly led by Shade and Bueckers. The Huskies closed the second quarter emphatically, converting their final eight shots to enter the halftime break with a 45-34 lead.
Post halftime, UConn maintained their dominance, scoring the initial five points of the third quarter and holding Butler scoreless for over four minutes. Although the Bulldogs managed to assemble a swift 10-point surge, they struggled to accrue points for the remainder of the quarter, enabling the Huskies to enter the final period with a 20-point advantage.
In the fourth quarter, UConn further widened the gap, ultimately securing a commanding 26-point victory by scoring prolifically.
In the forthcoming game against Toronto Metropolitan, scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET on FS2, the Huskies anticipate a competitive matchup. This game will also serve as Aaliyah Edwards’ homecoming.
The UConn women’s basketball team’s impressive launch to the Big East season establishes a promising tone for their future games, demonstrating the team’s depth and resilience on both ends of the court. The impending game against Toronto Metropolitan is expected to be another thrilling encounter.