WATCH: No Christmas break for Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd as UConn duo gets in intense practice session

Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies are midway through their 8-day Christmas break. However, Bueckers and sharpshooter Azzi Fudd are utilizing the downtime to sharpen their skills in the gym. The duo worked out with pro-level basketball skills coach Darren McLinton this week.

McLinton uploaded a brief mixtape of the two Huskies working on their handles, alongside on-ball and off-ball shooting.

"Home for a quick Christmas break, gotta get it in!!! UCONN’s Dynamic Duo Paige Bueckers @paigebueckers and Azzi Fudd @azzi35 were super focused, and seem ready for the upcoming Big East part of their season! LET’S GOOO!!!" McLinton wrote.

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are coming off a tough 72-70 loss to the USC Trojans on Dec. 21. Bueckers scored 22 points in the contest, while Fudd was scoreless in eight minutes of action.

Fudd is recovering from a knee sprain that occurred earlier this month during her 18-point performance against Louisville.

Bueckers had an inconsistent start to the 2024-25 season and is averaging 20.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals on over 55% shooting, including 41.7% from 3-point range.

Fudd, who has played in only half of UConn's 12 games, is averaging a career-low 8.3 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 45.2% overall.

Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins on facing each other

After Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins battled for the second time in their college careers, both players had nothing but praise for each other. While Watkins won the scoring battle, Bueckers appreciated the matchup. Bueckers posted 22 points, while Watkins poured in 25 points, six rebounds and three blocks.

"Playing against great players, you embrace the matchup," Bueckers said (3:00 mark). "You have fun in the moment. Both teams are trying to win, but yeah, matchups like these are why we play basketball."

When JuJu Watkins was asked about facing Bueckers, her response reflected the strong mutual respect between the two players.

"Paige is an excellent player, and I think it's just a testament to when you give women a platform, we're going to perform," Watkins said (7:00 mark)

The Huskies (10-2) aim to bounce back from the loss on Sunday when they face the Providence Friars in the last matchup of the year. The Trojans will look to maintain their winning streak against the Michigan Wolverines on the same day.