UConn Women's Basketball Dominates SCSU 105-39 in Final Preseason Showdown
Posted on Nov 23, 2025 by Daxton Haverford
The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team sent a chilling message to the rest of college basketball: they’re not just back — they’re better. On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut, the reigning NCAA Division I National Champions crushed Southern Connecticut State University 105-39 in their final preseason exhibition. The margin wasn’t just lopsided — it was historic. A 66-point win over a Division II opponent? That’s not a scrimmage. That’s a statement.
Five in Double Digits, All 13 Scored
It wasn’t just one star carrying the load. It was a symphony. Azzi Fudd, the graduate student returning from a devastating knee injury that sidelined her for most of last season, dropped 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including five three-pointers. She added five steals and four assists — the kind of all-around dominance that makes opponents lose sleep. But she wasn’t alone. Senior Serah Williams chipped in 14, sophomore Allie Ziebell 13, freshman Blanca Quiñonez 12 off the bench, and sophomore Sarah Strong posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. And here’s the kicker: every single one of the 13 Huskies who saw court time scored. The bench alone accounted for 48 points. That’s not depth. That’s overload.
Defensive Domination: 32 Turnovers, 24 Steals
UConn didn’t just score — they dismantled. They forced 32 turnovers from SCSU, turning those mistakes into 36 points. The Huskies swiped the ball 24 times total, led by junior KK Arnold with six steals. Southern Connecticut State shot a dismal 25 percent from the field (15-of-60) and went 3-of-17 from beyond the arc. Their leading scorer, sophomore guard Taeya Steinauer, managed just 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting. The Owls’ entire roster — including graduate student Jillian Martin and junior Rheyna Steinauer — looked overwhelmed by the speed, the pressure, the sheer physicality of a team that’s been through the fire of a national title run.
Fudd’s Return: More Than Just Points
For many, the real story wasn’t the scoreboard — it was Azzi Fudd. After missing nearly all of the 2024-25 season with a torn ACL, her return was anticipated, but few expected this level of explosiveness. "So, like, you can see us on the court," she said postgame. "We’re still working on our chemistry. Different groups playing that haven’t really played together before. But everyone that returned last year? They came back with a new sense of confidence. Having that experience of winning… it changes you." And it shows. Fudd’s rhythm, her court vision, her defensive aggression — all of it suggests she’s not just recovered. She’s evolved.
What This Means for the Season Ahead
This wasn’t just a tune-up. It was a preview of what’s coming. The Huskies, ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and WBCA Coaches polls, are built for a long haul. Their depth is absurd. Their defense is ferocious. And their leadership — anchored by Fudd, Williams, and Strong — is unshakable. They’ve won 11 national titles. Now they’re chasing their 12th. The road starts Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM EST, when they face No. 20 Louisville in the Armed Forces ClassicU.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland — a game televised nationally on ESPN.
Meanwhile, Southern Connecticut State University — a proud Division II program in New Haven — will begin their season on November 15 against Georgian Court. They know the gap. But they also know what this game means: a chance to learn from the best. Sometimes, getting crushed is the best teacher.
Behind the Numbers: The Numbers That Matter
- UConn shot 49% from the field (37-of-76) and 9-of-22 (41%) from three
- SCSU committed 32 turnovers — 10 more than their season average from last year
- UConn’s 24 steals were their most in a single game since 2022
- UConn led 60-6 at halftime — the largest halftime lead in program exhibition history
- The Huskies have now won 22 consecutive exhibition games since 2018
Historical Context: The UConn Legacy
Since 1995, University of Connecticut has been the gold standard in women’s college basketball. Under head coach Geno Auriemma, they’ve won 11 national titles — more than any other program in NCAA history. They’ve produced WNBA stars, Olympic champions, and coaching legends. This season, they’re not just defending a title — they’re defending a dynasty. And they’re doing it with a blend of veteran poise and explosive freshman talent. The 2025-26 roster isn’t just talented — it’s hungry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Azzi Fudd’s return impact UConn’s championship chances?
Fudd’s return transforms UConn from a deep team into a lethal one. Last season, without her, they still won the title — but they were more reliant on defense and rebounding. Now, with her elite scoring, three-point range, and playmaking, they have a true offensive engine. Her 21-point performance against SCSU wasn’t just a comeback — it was a warning shot to the rest of the nation.
Why did UConn play a Division II team in their final exhibition?
It’s common for elite programs to schedule lower-division opponents in preseason games to manage workload, test depth, and avoid injury risk. But this matchup had added significance: both teams are in Connecticut. It’s a local rivalry of sorts, and playing at PeoplesBank Arena — a neutral site — gave fans a rare chance to see the Huskies close to home before the season opener.
What’s the significance of UConn’s 24 steals?
Twenty-four steals is elite. Only three UConn teams in the last 15 years have recorded more in a single game. It reflects their aggressive, switching defense — a hallmark of Geno Auriemma’s system. Against a team like SCSU, it exposed gaps in ball-handling and decision-making. But it also shows UConn’s ability to transition from defense to offense in under three seconds — a skill that could overwhelm even top-ranked teams.
How does this game compare to UConn’s past exhibition performances?
UConn’s average exhibition margin over the past five years is 58 points. This 66-point win tops that. Their previous exhibition against Boston College on October 13 ended 84-67 — a much closer game. The SCSU result was more about dominance than preparation. It was a reminder: when UConn is fully healthy and locked in, they’re not just the best team in the country — they’re in a different league.
What’s next for Southern Connecticut State after such a loss?
For SCSU, it’s about growth, not humiliation. Their coach will use this game as a benchmark — showing players exactly what elite defense and offensive execution look like. Several Owls, like Iyanna Cotten and Tish Blackwood, showed flashes of potential. This loss might be the catalyst for their best season in years — not because they’ll beat UConn, but because they now know what they’re chasing.
Will UConn’s depth be tested in the regular season?
Absolutely. While they crushed SCSU, they’ll face teams like Louisville, LSU, and South Carolina — all with NBA-caliber talent and physical frontcourts. Their bench depth is a strength, but it’s also a vulnerability if starters get into foul trouble. Coach Auriemma will need to manage minutes carefully, especially for Fudd and Strong, who logged heavy minutes against SCSU. The real test isn’t the blowouts — it’s the close games in January and February.