Geno Auriemma makes his feelings known on UConn star KK Arnold's "aggressive" offense vs Marquette

Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies cruised to a 77-45 win over Marquette on New Year's Day, and the Hall of Fame coach made sure to highlight the performance of sophomore KK Arnold. The 5-foot-9 guard contributed a season-high 13 points in the blowout victory at Al McGuire Center.

Arnold still missed out on getting the start, but her energy off the bench helped UConn pull away. She was relentless in pushing the pace on offense and harassing opponents on defense. Her seven assists tied a career-high and she also grabbed four rebounds.

"I just liked how aggressive she was," Geno Auriemma told SNY's Chelsea Sherrod after the game (0:50). "We talked a lot about straight-line drives to the rim either for herself or to draw some defense and find it's worth. All her assists come from when she's being really aggressive with the ball."

"And I thought today, especially at both ends but mostly on the offensive end, that was the most aggressive that I've seen her in quite some time. And I'm glad she did it up here, which had a lot of family and friends watching."

Auriemma also highlighted how much of a game-changer Arnold can be.

"When KK is in the game, the game definitely is different. So, I think everybody benefits from her being on the floor when she's like what she is today."

It was a homecoming game in Wisconsin for KK Arnold, a native of Germantown. She came off the bench and made the most of her minutes, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, including a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line.

Geno Auriemma gives insights on things he learned in the Marquette win

Geno Auriemma was proud of how his team responded after a sluggish start when Marquette jumped out to an early six-point lead. The No. 7 Huskies quickly settled in, forcing 14 turnovers in the first half to take control of the game.

"Well, I mean, we're starting to understand a little bit better which lineups are most effective for us and that it really matters how we substitute and who we substitute and when we substitute," Auriemma said.

"So, all these things, just take all the information and keep trying to get it better in the next game."

UConn's freshman forward Sarah Strong scored a team-high 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the win. Paige Bueckers, last season's Big East Player of the Year, overcame a slow start to finish with 12 points, four rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Geno Auriemma and Connecticut (12-2, 3-0 Big East) will continue their conference schedule on Sunday at Villanova.