UConn Women’s Basketball Dominates Ohio State in Season Opener

HARTFORD, Conn. — The University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball team showcased its prowess by defeating Ohio State 100-68 in their season opener on November 16, 2025. The victory served as a reminder of UConn’s recent triumph, having clinched their twelfth national championship earlier this year.

Throughout the game at PeoplesBank Arena, the atmosphere was charged with nostalgia. A pregame montage celebrated the 2025 championship, and a commemorative banner was unveiled. Fans donned No. 5 Paige Bueckers jerseys, while video messages from Bueckers and teammate Kaitlyn Chen played on the Jumbotron. Bueckers, in a heartfelt message, expressed her longing for the fans and encouraged them to “run it back.”

Even in Bueckers’ absence, UConn’s performance indicated they are poised for another championship run. The Huskies have consistently led by at least 20 points in each of their four victories this season, reflecting a level of dominance that suggests they may be even stronger than last year’s title-winning squad.

Sarah Strong Shines in UConn’s Victory

Sophomore guard Sarah Strong, a leading candidate for the National Player of the Year, was a standout in the match against Ohio State. She delivered a remarkable performance, tallying 29 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks. Strong’s ability to control the game was evident, as she executed a pinpoint three-quarter court pass that led to an easy layup for a teammate and completed multiple and-1 plays.

“Sarah Strong … no words,” tweeted Bueckers during the game. Head Coach Geno Auriemma praised her composure, stating, “When you watch what Strong does, it’s pretty impressive. She has fantastic vision, knows how the game is being played, and there isn’t a shot on the floor she can’t make.”

Strong’s multifaceted skill set has positioned her as the engine of UConn’s offense. Yet, she is not alone in elevating the team’s performance. The Huskies have added depth and athleticism this season, making them a formidable opponent.

New Additions Enhance Team Dynamics

UConn has bolstered its roster with key transfers and fresh talent. Senior forward Serah Williams, a 6-foot-4 Wisconsin transfer, made an immediate impact, scoring the first two baskets of the game. Freshman Blanca Quiñonez, who joined UConn after playing professionally in Italy, contributed 18 points in just 22 minutes of play, displaying an unpredictable style that excited the crowd.

Auriemma remarked on Quiñonez’s potential, noting that he is still determining her best position on the team. Despite a few turnovers, her ability to slice through defenders showcased her raw talent. Auriemma humorously commented, “She leads the free world in turnovers,” highlighting the learning curve she faces.

While Bueckers was a generational talent for UConn, her departure has prompted the team to adapt. Auriemma noted that Bueckers had previously masked certain weaknesses within the squad. Now, the Huskies are leveraging their increased speed, averaging five more offensive possessions per game compared to the previous season, according to CBB Analytics.

UConn’s offensive strategy includes a significant uptick in fastbreak points, averaging 17.7 per game. In their latest match, they scored 27 points in transition against Ohio State. This faster pace has been complemented by the contributions of Kayleigh Heckel, another notable transfer, and dynamic ballhandler KK Arnold.

Azzi Fudd, a projected top-five pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, also played a crucial role. After a slow start, she found her rhythm, finishing with 19 points and a career-high 7 assists. Her ability to create opportunities has been a significant asset for UConn.

As they prepare for a challenging matchup against Michigan, ranked in the top 15, the Huskies are proving to be a powerhouse once again. Their ability to record 30 assists on 39 made shots while limiting Ohio State to just six points in a quarter demonstrates their potential for success.

Women’s college basketball has not seen a repeat champion since UConn’s four-peat from 2015 to 2016. With a roster that is both talented and deep, UConn appears poised to challenge that trend. According to Ohio State Coach Kevin McGuff, “This is one of the most talented and deep teams that I’ve seen with UConn in a while.” As the season unfolds, the Huskies are certainly a team to watch.