Geno Auriemma makes his feelings known on Azzi Fudd takeover in Paige Bueckers' absence vs Xavier

Azzi Fudd delivered for Geno Auriemma on Wednesday night, leading the UConn Huskies to a dominant 81-27 victory over the Xavier Musketeers at XL Center. The UConn coach praised Fudd's performance, as she stepped up in Paige Bueckers' absence.

Fudd did most of her damage in the first half, scoring 18 points to help the Huskies grab a commanding 45-10 lead at the break. She was efficient on offense, shooting 70% in the first two quarters. Fudd also contributed two rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in the opening half.

Auriemma talked to SNY after the second quarter to discuss Fudd's performance in Bueckers' absence.

"It's natural that she should take over in this scenario," Auriemma said. "I was hoping, I didn't say anything to her, but I was hoping she would do it. The competitor that she is, she did exactly that."

Azzi Fudd finished the contest with a season-high 23 points. She shot 9-for-14 from the field, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, and also knocked down both of her free-throw attempts.

In the postgame press conference, a reporter asked Auriemma if he had said anything to Fudd after taking her out in the first quarter. Fudd looked like a different player once she returned to the court, sparking the Huskies' explosive first-half performance.

"When you haven’t played a lot, I think the first three or four trips down the floor are the hardest and I just thought she was laboring a little bit," Auriemma said.

"I thought if she would come out, get her second wind and go back out, she’d be OK. I didn’t say anything. That’s why these guys are playing so well right now. I don’t talk to them."

Azzi Fudd gets some help from Sarah Strong in UConn's win over Xavier

It wasn't just Azzi Fudd who punished Xavier's defense in the first half. Sarah Strong also came out firing, scoring 15 points and grabbing four rebounds in the opening two quarters. Strong had a field day against Xavier, making 78% of her field-goal attempts in the first half.

Paige Bueckers (#5), Azzi Fudd (#35) and Sarah Strong (#21) of the UConn Huskies watch their teammates play against the Xavier Musketeers during the second half at the XL Center on January 8, 2025 in Hartford, Connecticut. Photo: Getty

Strong also displayed her defensive prowess, recording five steals against Xavier. The freshman forward has been an important piece for the No. 7 UConn Huskies this season, leading the team in rebounds, steals and blocks.