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UConn Star Azzi Fudd Faces Criticism After Final Four Loss
Fudd struggled in her final college game as UConn fell to South Carolina in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:49am
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A cubist interpretation of the intense Final Four matchup between UConn and South Carolina, where the Gamecocks' stifling defense frustrated star player Azzi Fudd and ended the Huskies' undefeated season.Storrs TodayUConn's Azzi Fudd, one of the top women's basketball players in the country, received harsh criticism on social media for her performance in the Huskies' 62-48 loss to South Carolina in the Final Four. Fudd shot just 3-for-15 from the field and finished with 8 points in her final college game before entering the WNBA draft.
Why it matters
Fudd was expected to lead UConn to another national championship, but the team's loss to South Carolina ended their undefeated season and Fudd's collegiate career on a sour note. The criticism of Fudd's play highlights the high expectations placed on elite college athletes, especially those projected as top WNBA draft picks.
The details
In the Final Four matchup, South Carolina's defense frustrated Fudd and the UConn offense throughout the game. Fudd shot poorly, going 2-of-9 from three-point range, and also struggled to impact the game in other ways, finishing with just 1 rebound. UConn as a team shot only 31% from the field and was outrebounded 47-32 by South Carolina.
- The loss to South Carolina on April 4, 2026 was the final game of Azzi Fudd's college career.
- Fudd is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, which takes place in a few weeks.
The players
Azzi Fudd
A senior guard at the University of Connecticut and one of the top women's basketball players in the country, projected to be a top pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft.
Geno Auriemma
The head coach of the University of Connecticut women's basketball team, who has led the Huskies to numerous national championships.
Dawn Staley
The head coach of the University of South Carolina women's basketball team, whose team defeated UConn in the Final Four.
Paige Bueckers
A former UConn teammate of Azzi Fudd's who was in attendance at the Final Four game to support Fudd.
What’s next
Azzi Fudd is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, which takes place in a few weeks. She will look to bounce back from her disappointing Final Four performance and prove herself at the professional level.
The takeaway
Azzi Fudd's struggles in the Final Four loss to South Carolina highlight the intense scrutiny and high expectations placed on elite college athletes, especially those projected as top WNBA draft picks. While Fudd had an outstanding college career, this game will serve as a learning experience as she transitions to the professional ranks.
