WATCH: Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd’s chemistry is a treat to the eyes

Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd
Image credits: IMAGN (right), Getty (left)

As Azzi Fudd returned to the starting lineup, it resulted in perfect on-court harmony with guard Paige Bueckers on Sunday. The sharpshooter needed some time to get back to her sniping ways as she shot 2 of 6 from the 3-point line. However, her chemistry with Bueckers clicked right away, resulting in two seamless plays.

The first play came in the second quarter of No. 7 UConn's 67-41 win over Providence, when Bueckers launched a driving left-hand pass to an open Fudd on the weakside wing for an open trey. The play gave the Huskies an early 19-point lead.

The second play came from Fudd in the third quarter as she carefully searched for an outlet pass. Noticing Paige Bueckers' timely off-ball movement, Azzi Fudd launched a perfect pass in the corner, giving Bueckers enough time to pull up in front of two Providence players.

Paige Bueckers' only 3-pointer of the win came from Fudd's assist. She went 8 of 12 (1 of 4 from the arc) to post 23 points. On the other hand, Fudd scored eight points.

Azzi Fudd is coming off missing the majority of the games in December after she tweaked her knee on Dec. 7 against Louisville. Fudd was in the middle of her best outing of the season, scoring 18 points in 18 minutes on 60% shooting when a bump from Olivia Cochran forced the senior out of the game.

Paige Bueckers details a changed offensive approach after Christmas

The UConn Huskies (11-2, 2-0 Big East) bounced back from their 72-70 loss to the then-No. 7 USC Trojans before the Christmas break in defeating the Providence Friars (7-8, 0-2). Sarah Strong went 6 of 11 to score 14 points while Paige Bueckers scored 19 first-half points, ending with a game-high 23 points.

When asked about her performance, Bueckers said that a changed perspective and approach has helped her become more aggressive.

"I mean, when you're sitting at home, you've got a lot of time to think, a lot of time to watch film and process what you've got to get better at," Bueckers said, according to SNY.
"I'm just trying to take open shots, not over-penetrate when I get any space, be aggressive, look for my shot. That leads to creating for others, and just leads to an aggressive mentality that the whole team can embody."

Paige Bueckers' altered approach comes due to UConn coach Geno Auriemma's criticism of her tendency to become passive on the court. With that, he has constantly urged the star guard to hunt for scoring opportunities and be more aggressive on offense.

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

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Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein
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