“I literally squealed”: Women’s hoops analyst sympathizes with Sarah Strong after UConn’s loss vs USC

Women’s hoops analyst Elle Duncan shared her heartfelt reaction to Sarah Strong’s tense moments at the end of UConn’s 72-70 loss to USC on Saturday. Focusing on the pressure faced by Strong in the game’s final seconds, she sympathized with the freshman as the Huskies fell in a nail-biting affair.

On “The Elle Duncan Show”, Duncan described the tension she felt when Strong stepped to the free-throw line with the game on the line.

“Apart from like one second on the clock and you're kicking for your team to win the game,” Duncan said, “there is nothing that makes my heart palpitate more for another person than someone having to sink free throws to win a game or to tie a game.”

Strong was fouled in the final moments, giving her the chance to either tie or win the game for the Huskies.

“She gets fouled, and I literally squealed,” Duncan said. “I'm just on the couch like, ‘I don't want this for her.’”

Strong missed her second free throw, and while it wasn’t clear if she intentionally missed the third, the Huskies fell short.

Despite the loss, UConn star Paige Bueckers immediately came to Strong’s defense during the postgame press conference.

“I love how right away Paige just addressed it at the postgame presser,” Duncan said.

Bueckers’ support for her teammate showed the unity and resilience of the Huskies, even in the face of a heartbreaking loss.

Geno Auriemma speaks about Sarah Strong after UConn’s loss to USC

With the then-No. 7 Trojans leading 72-69 in the final seconds, then-No. 4 UConn had a chance to tie the game after Sarah Strong was fouled by JuJu Watkins on a 3-point attempt.

Sarah Strong missed two of her three free throws, with an offensive rebound giving her another opportunity, but her hurried shot missed the mark, sealing the Huskies' fate.

“When I see these things, I see a kid that some people run from the flame, and other kids run to it,” Auriemma said.

UConn rallied from an 18-point deficit, thanks to standout performances from Strong and senior guard Paige Bueckers.

After the game, Auriemma defended his young star, expressing confidence in Strong’s resilience and future performances.

“She wants to be in that situation," Auriemma said. "She relishes that situation. Nobody’s more disappointed than she is right now in that moment.

"But I would put her in that moment every single game for the rest of the season and have confidence that she’s going to come through.”

The Huskies may have failed to win but Strong’s willingness to embrace high-pressure moments spotlights her potential to be a crucial contributor for UConn.