Geno Auriemma makes his feelings known on dynamic duo of Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong after Georgetown win

Geno Auriemma had Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong to thank for the UConn Huskies' 73-55 win over the Georgetown Hoyas at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. They combined for 37 points to lead the Huskies to their fifth straight victory.

Fudd and Strong stepped up in the absence of Paige Bueckers, who remained sidelined with a knee injury. The UConn star missed her second straight game after spraining her left knee in the Huskies' 83-52 win over the Villanova Wildcats last Sunday.

SNY reporter Chelsea Sherrod asked Auriemma about Fudd and Strong's efforts against Georgetown after the game. The UConn coach praised the duo in his reply.

"They’re both really good offensive players, so I’m not surprised," Auriemma said. "I think they’re getting an opportunity to be even more aggressive than they normally are."

Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong have taken it upon themselves to carry the scoring cudgels for UConn while Paige Bueckers is out. Fudd followed her 23-point outing against Xavier on Wednesday with a 21-point performance against Georgetown. Before the wins against the Musketeers and the Hoyas, Fudd averaged just 6.0 points through four games since returning from a knee injury.

Strong also delivered for Geno Auriemma in the Huskies' last two games, averaging 15.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 3.5 assists. She has been a key offensive weapon for UConn, with the freshman forward reaching double figures in each of her first 17 games. Strong's consistency wasn't lost on Auriemma.

"I’m glad Azzi played well. This is our first time playing down here and Sarah just keeps being Sarah," Auriemma said.

Ashlynn Shade and KK Arnold deliver for Geno Auriemma in win over Georgetown

It wasn't just Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong who contributed for Geno Auriemma as four other players scored at least five points for the No. 7 UConn Huskies. Ashlynn Shade nearly recorded a double-double with 12 points and seven rebounds. She also displayed her defensive prowess with two blocks and one steal.

Sarah Strong (#21) of the UConn Huskies cheers on Azzi Fudd (#35) during the first half of their NCAA women's basketball game against Xavier at the XL Center on January 8, 2025. Photo: Getty

KK Arnold provided some much-needed offense off the bench, scoring seven points. She knocked down all three of her field-goal attempts, including her lone 3-point try during the first quarter. Kaitlyn Chen and Morgan Cheli added six and five points, respectively, for the Huskies, who improved their overall record to 15-2.