"A cheat code","Generational": Fans hail Sarah Strong after UConn star's crucial game helps Huskies beat Creighton

Sarah Strong and the UConn Huskies extended their winning streak to nine games on Saturday, defeating the Creighton Bluejays 72-61 in a Big East showdown at CHI Health Center Omaha. Strong was one of two players to score in double figures for the Huskies, who improved to 19-2 overall.

Strong once again led UConn in scoring and rebounding, finishing with 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting. She was flawless at the free-throw line, hitting all eight attempts. The freshman forward also grabbed 12 rebounds to record her fifth double-double of the season.

Strong showcased her defensive prowess as well, tallying five steals and four blocks in 36 minutes of action. College basketball fans flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the standout rookie after her impressive performance.

"Sarah Strong is a cheat code, people. She's like a result of an experiment in the lab with both the DNA of Maya Moore and Stewie. SCARY SCARY HOURS FOR Y'ALL," one fan wrote.

"SARAH STRONG IS GONNA BE (IS) GENERATIONAL," one fan added.

"Idc what anyone else thinks. Sarah Strong is absolutely a candidate for National Player of the Year," one fan shared.

Here are some other reactions.

"There are not 5 players in the country better than Sarah Strong. I just don’t see it. So don’t play with those end of season awards," one fan posted.

"Sarah Strong should be in NPOY discussions," one fan tweeted.

"SARAH STRONG IS THE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR," one fan added.

Strong has been a vital cog for coach Geno Auriemma this season, leading the No. 6 UConn Huskies in rebounds, steals and blocks, while ranking as the team’s second-leading scorer, behind only Paige Bueckers.

Sarah Strong gets offensive help from Paige Bueckers in win over Creighton

It wasn't just Sarah Strong who punished the Creighton defense. Paige Bueckers also wreaked havoc against the Bluejays, scoring 22 points in 38 minutes of play. She shot 9-for-20 from the field, including 3-for-8 from beyond the arc. Bueckers also contributed in other departments, nabbing five rebounds and four assists.

Paige Bueckers (#5) of the Connecticut Huskies plays against the Seton Hall Pirates at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 19, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. Photo: Getty

Bueckers has been on fire since returning from a knee injury she suffered against Villanova on Jan. 5. She is averaging 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in the Huskies' last four games.

The UConn star recorded back-to-back 20-point outings for the first time since Dec. 29, when she scored 23 points against the Providence Friars.