UConn Women's Basketball Faces Roster Challenges Ahead of Xavier Game

The Huskies will be without several key players, including starters Blanca Quiñonez and Serah Williams, for Wednesday's matchup.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The UConn women's basketball team will be shorthanded when they host Xavier on Wednesday night, with several players unavailable due to injuries. Starters Blanca Quiñonez and Serah Williams, as well as reserves Caroline Ducharme and Gandy Malou-Mamel, will all miss the game. The Huskies will have just nine available players for the contest.

Why it matters

UConn is the top-ranked team in the country, and these absences will test the team's depth and resilience as they look to maintain their undefeated record. The Huskies have already been dealing with long-term injuries to Ice Brady and Morgan Cheli, and these latest setbacks could pose a challenge as they prepare to face a Big East opponent.

The details

According to the Big East availability report, Quiñonez is out for undisclosed reasons, while Williams suffered an apparent calf injury in the team's previous game against Seton Hall. Ducharme has been dealing with concussion symptoms, and Malou-Mamel has seen limited playing time this season. Head coach Geno Auriemma said he expects Williams to be 'fine,' but did not provide an update on her status.

  • Quiñonez previously missed the team's first two games of the season with a shoulder injury.
  • Williams was injured during the third quarter of UConn's game against Seton Hall on January 25, 2026.
  • Ducharme has been dealing with concussion symptoms for the last three years.
  • Malou-Mamel has only appeared in two games this season.

The players

Blanca Quiñonez

A key reserve for the Huskies, averaging 10.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Serah Williams

A starting forward for UConn, averaging 7.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Caroline Ducharme

A fifth-year senior who has been limited by concussion symptoms over the last three seasons.

Gandy Malou-Mamel

A freshman who has only appeared in two games this season.

Ice Brady

A player who has been out for the majority of the season due to a knee injury.

Morgan Cheli

A player who has been out for the majority of the season due to an ankle injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.