UConn Sophomore Allie Ziebell Matches Huskies Greats with Career Night

Ziebell's 34-point, 10-three-pointer performance draws comparisons to Paige Bueckers and other UConn legends.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:15am

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UConn sophomore Allie Ziebell had a career-best performance in the Huskies' 97-39 blowout win over Xavier, scoring 34 points on 73.3% shooting from the field and 71.4% from three-point range. Ziebell tied a UConn record for most three-pointers made in a game, matching marks set by Huskies greats Maya Moore, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, and Katie Lou Samuelson.

Why it matters

Ziebell's breakout game has drawn comparisons to other legendary UConn players, highlighting the program's continued ability to develop elite talent under coach Geno Auriemma. As the Huskies navigate injuries to key players, Ziebell's performance could be a sign of things to come as she emerges as a new star for the nation's top-ranked team.

The details

Ziebell went 10-of-14 from three-point range, tying the UConn record for made threes in a game. She also added three assists and two steals in the blowout win. UConn reporter Jake McCreven noted that Ziebell's shooting display was one of the best he's seen in his two years covering the team, comparing it to standout performances from Huskies greats like Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.

  • Ziebell's career night came during UConn's 97-39 win over Xavier on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Allie Ziebell

A sophomore guard for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team who had a career-best 34-point, 10-three-pointer performance in a win over Xavier.

Paige Bueckers

A former UConn women's basketball star and current WNBA player whose past shooting performances were compared to Ziebell's by a UConn reporter.

Geno Auriemma

The longtime head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, known for his ability to develop elite talent.

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What they’re saying

“The number [of threes] isn't as impressive to me as watching her play with so much confidence. That's the Allie I saw play in high school. That's the Allie I saw play every summer.”

— Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Coach

“In my two years as a UConn WBB beat writer, that may have been the best shooting performance I've witnessed. – Allie Ziebell vs. Xavier – Azzi Fudd vs. Michigan and St. John's – Paige Bueckers vs. Oklahoma There are definitely others, but I'm running out of characters to type.”

— Jake McCreven, UConn Reporter

What’s next

Ziebell and the Huskies will look to build on her career night as they continue their quest for another national championship. UConn's next game is against Big East rival Villanova on February 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Allie Ziebell's breakout performance against Xavier is a testament to UConn's ability to develop elite talent under coach Geno Auriemma. As the Huskies navigate injuries, Ziebell's emergence as a new star could be a sign of things to come for the nation's top-ranked team.