STORRS, Conn. (AP) – Azzi Fudd scored 20 of her 23 points in the first half, and Sarah Strong added 21 as top-ranked UConn defeated Florida State 99-67 on Sunday to win its home opener for the 35th consecutive season.
Kayleigh Heckel contributed 12 points and six steals off the bench for UConn (2-0). Florida State (2-1) was led by Sole Williams with 14 points, while Allie Kubek and Jasmine Shaver added 11 points each.
UConn got off to a sluggish start, missing seven of its first nine layups. However, the Huskies used a late basket by Heckel to take a 10-point lead after the first quarter. Heckel’s defense was particularly impactful in the second quarter, recording five of UConn’s eight steals during that period.
Strong scored five points and Fudd added four more during a 12-0 run that pushed UConn’s lead to 17 points. After a pair of free throws by Pania Davis, the Huskies closed out the second quarter on a 10-0 run with Fudd scoring the final eight points to secure a commanding 51-27 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, Serah Williams contributed seven points in a 15-0 run. Ayanna Patterson, who missed the last two seasons due to injury, scored her first basket at Gampel Pavilion since the March 20, 2023 NCAA Tournament victory over Baylor.
UConn is integrating five new players this season, including Williams, a transfer from Wisconsin. The Huskies are relying on their depth to fill the void left by the departure of All-American guard Paige Bueckers. UConn outscored Florida State 37-17 in bench points.
Before the game, UConn unveiled the 2024-25 national championship banner. Aubrey Griffin returned for the ceremony, joined by nine current players who saw time on the title-winning team. Video messages were also shown from Paige Bueckers and Kaitlyn Chen.
**Up Next**
– Florida State: The Seminoles host Nicholls State on Wednesday.
– UConn: The Huskies host Loyola (Chicago) on Wednesday.
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AP women’s college basketball coverage continues.
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