When does Geno Auriemma's UConn play first game of 2024-25 season? Closer look at Huskies' schedule

Geno Auriemma might be heading into the UConn Huskies’ most monumental season. Even though winning a championship is always the prime objective, it's intensified by Paige Bueckers’ drive this time. Bueckers was assumed to be a top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft but chose to resume her college career in light of a title chase.

Considering that, the coming season won't be short of a battle for the UConn Huskies. So, let’s look at key games in the Huskies' schedule, starting with their season-opening contest.

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UConn's first game of the 2024-25 season

Geno Auriemma's Huskies begin the 2024-25 season with a Nov. 3 game against Fort Hays State. The venue of the game is undecided at the moment. The FHSU website indicates that the final arena for the game will be in Storrs or Hartford in Connecticut.

The Fort Hays State Tigers are an NCAA DII program coming off a DII Elite Eight regionals appearance last season. UConn, due to its illustrious history and acumen of the current roster, is steps ahead of FHSU.

However, the season opener could still be a challenge. Fort Hays State has the longest DII 20-win season streak, behind 13 consecutive runs with at least 20 wins. Moreover, it has made it to the National tournament eight times in the last 10 years and boasts the best facility in the DII circuit.

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Geno Auriemma and Fort Hays met once in 2021

When it comes to exhibition games, Geno Auriemma uses them to fine-tune his roster and bolster player confidence. The same was seen in July 2021, when Fort Hayes and the Huskies met at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.

Geno Auriemma’s acumen was on full display early on, as the Huskies posted a 29-point advantage in the first quarter (33-4). The Tigers improved their production in the next two quarters, but with the scoreboard leaning towards the Huskies, 72-9, they had unofficially clinched the game.

Nevertheless, the Huskies continued their dominance, posting 32 points before the last buzzer, as opposed to FHSU’s seven.

Geno Auriemma’s second-ranked UConn squad made the most of the outing, as a total of six players scored in double digits. Christyn Williams led with 20 points; Aaliyah Edwards secured 17, while Dorka Juhasz posted 15 points. Bueckers led the playmaking area, dishing nine assists and garnering five steals.