Azzi Fudd Leads UConn to 5th Straight Big East Title

Senior guard scores 19 points as Huskies roll past Villanova 90-51

Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:23pm

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The UConn women's basketball team won its 24th Big East Tournament championship on Monday, defeating Villanova 90-51 behind a 19-point performance from senior guard Azzi Fudd. The Huskies, who have now won 50 consecutive games, improved to 34-0 on the season and are expected to earn a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Fudd's leadership and competitive spirit have been key to UConn's undefeated season, as the program continues its quest for a record 13th national championship. The Huskies' dominance in the Big East also highlights the program's sustained excellence over the past decades.

The details

Fudd shot 61% from the field and added three steals in the championship game. Fellow senior Sarah Strong was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. UConn coach Geno Auriemma praised Fudd's growing confidence and assertiveness, which he said has had a positive impact on the team this season.

  • UConn defeated Villanova 90-51 on Monday, March 10, 2026 to win the Big East Tournament title.
  • The Huskies have now won 50 consecutive games.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A senior guard for the UConn women's basketball team who led the Huskies with 19 points in the Big East Tournament championship game.

Sarah Strong

A senior for UConn who was named the Big East Tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who praised Fudd's growing confidence and leadership this season.

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What they’re saying

“It's a great accomplishment, what we've been able to achieve so far this year. We'll have a couple days off, and our work isn't done yet. Being Big East champion won't really matter in a couple of weeks.”

— Azzi Fudd, Senior Guard

“She's not that much different on the court. The way you see her on the court is the way she is. There's so much pulling at a lot of these kids, that's the one thing that's weird about the whole NIL thing. You get a day off and normally they would all sit in their sweats in front of the TV. Now, five of them are going off, 'we've got to do a photo shoot.' (Azzi) doesn't say much, she never has, but her being around and what she does say matters. The impact has been more on the court. For the first time, there's an assertiveness, almost, 'I'm at that age now and there is no one around that I need to defer to.' That's been the biggest impact she's had on these kids.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach

What’s next

The Huskies, who have won all six Big East Tournament titles since returning to the conference in 2021, are expected to earn a No. 1 seed when the NCAA Tournament bracket is announced on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Azzi Fudd's leadership and competitive spirit have been instrumental in UConn's undefeated season and continued dominance in the Big East. As the Huskies set their sights on a 13th national championship, Fudd's presence and impact on the team will be crucial in their pursuit of another title.