Providence-(February 9th, 2025) The UConn Huskies bounced back in dominant fashion after a tough loss, beating Providence 77-40 in a commanding Big East performance. The game started with high energy as UConn won the tip and immediately converted a driving layup. Their offense quickly found rhythm, as they went on a 7-0 run capped by a floater. Providence’s Martha Morales-Romero responded off the glass, cutting the lead, but UConn Page Bueckers extended it at the free-throw line.
A big defensive stop by UConn forced a Providence shot clock violation, and moments later, Providence’s Martha Morales-Romero drained a three to bring them within four. However, UConn’s relentless pressure forced another turnover, allowing Jana El Alfy to capitalize at the line, pushing the lead to 11-5. Olivia Olsen gave Providence hope with a strong finish off the glass, but UConn remained in control, leading 15-9 after a pair of free throws from Bueckers. Ashlynn Shade caught fire from deep, knocking down a three to push the lead to 18-9. She continued her hot shooting, sinking another triple and finishing the first quarter with a buzzer-beating layup, giving UConn a 23-9 advantage.
Providence opened the second quarter with an offensive rebound and putback, but Bueckers quickly answered with a smooth finish off the glass. She followed that up with a turnaround jumper to extend the lead to 29-11. UConn’s defensive intensity forced another timeout at the 7:30 mark after a deep three by Strong stretched their lead to 32-11. Providence’ s Scott hit a three, but UConn responded in transition with an easy layup, pushing the lead to 34-14. The Huskies capitalized on turnovers, and by halftime, they had built a 40-16 lead, shooting 40% from the field compared to Providence’s 26%. Bueckers led the way with 12 points.
The second half was more of the same, as UConn’s Azzi Fudd opened the third quarter with a three-pointer to make it 43-16. Providence struggled to take care of the ball, and UConn capitalized, Bueckers drained another three, and Fudd followed with a reverse layup to stretch the lead to 47-16. The turnovers continued to pile up for Providence, and UConn extended their lead to 50-16 after another Bueckers triple.
By the end of the third quarter, Fudd’s buzzer-beater had UConn up 69-32. The Huskies cruised to a 77-40 victory. In post-game Coach Erin Batth expressed pride in her team’s effort. She highlighted this as a period of learning and growth because Providence is not done. She acknowledged UConn as the standard in the Big East and she loves being a part of this conference Coach Batth a passionate supporter of basketball and reinforced fer commitment to the game and her team.
