UConn Freshman Blanca Quiñonez Makes March Madness History

Quiñonez's 20-point performance off the bench propels Huskies to Final Four

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:21pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the energy and movement of a women's basketball game, with the players' forms dissolving into a blur of brushstrokes and splashes of color.Blanca Quiñonez's historic 20-point performance off the bench propels UConn to the Final Four, showcasing the Huskies' depth and talent as they pursue another national championship.Notre Dame Today

Freshman Blanca Quiñonez scored 20 points off the bench to lead the UConn women's basketball team to a 70-52 victory over Notre Dame in the Elite Eight, becoming the first player in program history to record a 20-point game in the Elite Eight or later rounds of the NCAA tournament.

Why it matters

UConn is a women's basketball powerhouse, having reached the Final Four in 17 of the last 18 NCAA tournaments under legendary coach Geno Auriemma. Quiñonez's breakout performance highlights the depth and talent of this year's Huskies squad as they pursue another national championship.

The details

Quiñonez's 20-point outburst helped UConn pull away from Notre Dame in the second half, as the Huskies improved to 38-0 on the season. Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey praised Quiñonez's impact, calling her the 'X factor' in the game.

  • UConn defeated Notre Dame 70-52 on Sunday, March 29, 2026 to advance to the Final Four.

The players

Blanca Quiñonez

A freshman guard for the UConn women's basketball team who scored a team-high 20 points off the bench in the Elite Eight win over Notre Dame.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who has led the Huskies to 12 national championships.

Niele Ivey

The head coach of the Notre Dame women's basketball team, whose team was defeated by UConn in the Elite Eight.

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What they’re saying

“She was the X factor for them.”

— Niele Ivey, Notre Dame Head Coach

“This group, they don't have that kind of swagger, trash-talking kind of mentality. That's why I think, for me, I just keep my fingers crossed because it's not the kind of team that I've had in the past that has gone this far undefeated. It's not. They don't have that kind of mentality off the court, on the court. They're just a bunch of really nice kids that play hard for each other.”

— Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Coach

What’s next

UConn will play either TCU or South Carolina in the Final Four on April 4, 2026, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Blanca Quiñonez's breakout performance in the Elite Eight showcases the depth and talent of this year's UConn women's basketball team, which is seeking its 13th national championship under Geno Auriemma's leadership.