Azzi Fudd stats tonight- how did the UConn star fare vs USC after returning from injury (Dec 21)

Azzi Fudd returned to action for the Huskies after recovering from an injury. No. 4 UConn fell to No. 7 USC 72-70 Saturday night at the XL Center.

Fudd made her comeback following a three-game absence due to a minor knee sprain sustained against Louisville on Dec. 7. She came off the bench on Saturday, ceding the starting role to Ashlynn Shade, with whom she has shared the position throughout the season.

Fudd's limited minutes came in the second quarter, where she had minimal impact. Her contributions included one defensive rebound, one assist to a Paige Bueckers 3-pointer, and a block on Juju Watkins’ 3-point attempt. However, in eight minutes on the court, she missed two layups, a jumper and a 3-point shot.

Despite being a game-time decision, UConn hinted at her return on social media less than two hours before tipoff, posting a photo of Fudd in her “gameday” braids during warmups. This raised fans' hopes, though her performance showed she is still not at full capacity.

The senior guard entered the game averaging 10 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 19.2 minutes per game over five games, including two starts. It remains to be seen whether coach Geno Auriemma will reinsert her into the starting lineup or opt for a more cautious approach to her recovery.

Up next, Fudd and the Huskies will take a holiday break before facing Providence on Dec. 29 in their second Big East matchup and final game of the year.

UConn struggles in loss to USC

The Huskies faced their second top-10 opponent this season and are now 0-2 in such matchups, having also lost to Notre Dame. Offensive struggles that surfaced against Notre Dame reappeared on Saturday, particularly in ball movement during the first half and inconsistent 3-point shooting.

Just a game after setting a school record with 20 made three-pointers, UConn managed only 6-for-23 from beyond the arc.

"I think we are a good 3-point shooting team, but I can't keep saying that. We have to prove it, and not just one night. We gotta do it more than one night," said UConn coach Geno Auriemma.

USC led by as many as 18 points early in the third quarter, but the Huskies fought hard in what could have been a completely different outcome. Trailing 51-33, UConn went on a 14-2 run to close the gap and reignite the Hartford crowd. Another surge in the fourth quarter gave the Huskies a brief 65-64 lead, but USC responded with an 8-5 output in the remainder of the game.

UConn's comeback attempt would have put the spotlight on Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong, with both of them scoring 22 points. Despite being a freshman, Strong lived up to her name, adding an impressive 13 rebounds, five assists and four steals to her performance.

Now holding a 10-2 record, UConn saw its two-game winning streak end after victories over Georgetown and Iowa State. The Huskies will need to regroup and aim for another streak of wins following their holiday break.