UConn Huskies Overcome Slow Start, Bench Steps Up in Final Four Win

Freshman Blanca Quiñonez leads charge as Huskies secure 25th Final Four appearance

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:44am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the intense action and physicality of a women's basketball game, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.UConn's depth and defensive intensity propel them to the Final Four, overcoming a slow start from their star players.Phoenix Today

The UConn Huskies overcame a slow start from their star players to defeat Notre Dame and advance to the Final Four. Freshman Blanca Quiñonez led the charge with 20 points, while the Huskies' bench players stepped up to compensate for off-nights from Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong. Coach Geno Auriemma praised the team's depth and defensive effort, particularly Kayleigh Heckel's work in containing Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo.

Why it matters

UConn's ability to rely on its bench players and adapt to different styles of play showcases the team's well-rounded talent and resilience. While the slow starts from Fudd and Strong are a concern, the Huskies' depth and defensive prowess could be the keys to their championship aspirations.

The details

Blanca Quiñonez, a freshman sensation, led the Huskies with 20 points, keeping them in the game when their star players were struggling. Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, UConn's usual reliable scorers, combined for only 10 points in the first half. Notre Dame, led by Hannah Hidalgo, put up a tough fight, matching UConn's physicality. Kayleigh Heckel's defensive effort in containing Hidalgo was crucial to the Huskies' victory.

  • UConn secured their 25th Final Four appearance with this win.

The players

Blanca Quiñonez

A freshman sensation who led the Huskies with 20 points, keeping them in the game when their star players were struggling.

Azzi Fudd

One of UConn's usually reliable scorers, who had a slow start, combining for only 10 points in the first half.

Sarah Strong

One of UConn's usually reliable scorers, who had a slow start, combining for only 10 points in the first half.

Hannah Hidalgo

The talented leader of Notre Dame, who put up a valiant fight and matched UConn's physicality.

Kayleigh Heckel

A UConn player whose defensive effort in containing Hannah Hidalgo was crucial to the Huskies' victory.

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What’s next

As UConn prepares for their next challenge in the Final Four, the question remains: can they maintain their momentum and avoid another slow start?

The takeaway

UConn's ability to rely on its bench players and adapt to different styles of play showcases the team's well-rounded talent and resilience. While the slow starts from Fudd and Strong are a concern, the Huskies' depth and defensive prowess could be the keys to their championship aspirations.