Despite UConn win vs Creighton, Geno Auriemma seems unhappy with Azzi Fudd and Ashlynn Shade for bad performance

UConn coach Geno Auriemma was satisfied overall with his team's performance in the 72-61 win over Creighton, especially the efforts of Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong. However, he appeared displeased with the play of Azzi Fudd and Ashlynn Shade:

"I don’t think we got a lot of contributions from a lot of people — not as much as we’re going to need going forward," Auriemma said postgame (6:08 onwards).

"I think we got four points combined from Azzi (Fudd) and Ash (Ashlynn Shade). You look at that, and you go those guys played like 50 minutes combined, and we got four points."

"I think we have to clean up some things and get more contributions from more people. Because if we get what we got from those two tonight and we add the other stuff, then we're a really good team."

In front of the record crowd at CHI Health Center on Saturday, redshirt junior Fudd, who scored a total of 61 points in the Huskies' previous four games was held to just 4 points on 2-of-8 shooting. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Ashlynn Shade managed only 2 points on 1-of-3 shooting in 24 minutes of play.

Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong validate Geno Auriemma’s pregame confidence

Geno Auriemma met with Kim Adams, the FOX Sports broadcaster, prior to the UConn game against Creighton when he was asked about the deadly duo of Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong.

"The biggest thing I would say is they are skilled basketball players," Auriemma told Adams. "Both of them have a real high basketball IQ.

"They can do a lot of different things. They’re good at making plays for themselves and they’re great at making plays for other people. And they’ve developed a great chemistry together. That’s really what you need to take some of the pressure off each other."

As the broadcast went on, Geno Auriemma's words were proved to be prophetic as Bueckers and Strong shined in the win over the Bluejays. The freshman forward Strong was dominant on both ends of the floor, leading the team in rebounds (12), steals (5), and blocks (4) while also scoring a game-high 26 points.

Bueckers, the reigning Big East Player of the Year, logged 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists to lead UConn to its 9th straight win.

Geno Auriemma and the No. 6 Huskies maintain their perfect record in the Big East at 10-0 as they continue their quest to capture another conference title. Their next game is at DePaul (10-11, 5-3 Big East) on Wednesday.