No. 1 UConn Defeats Villanova 83-69 for 44th Straight Win

Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong lead the Huskies to victory as their win streak reaches 44 games.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The top-ranked UConn Huskies defeated the Villanova Wildcats 83-69 on Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to 44 games. Azzi Fudd scored 25 points and Sarah Strong added 21 to power the Huskies, who trailed at halftime before surging in the second half. Villanova's Jasmine Bascoe led all scorers with 26 points in the losing effort.

Why it matters

UConn's dominant run has them firmly atop the women's college basketball landscape, as they continue to assert their status as one of the sport's premier programs. This win over a tough Villanova squad keeps the Huskies undefeated and solidifies their position as the team to beat this season.

The details

The Huskies (28-0, 17-0 Big East) overcame an early deficit, trailing 40-37 at halftime, before outscoring Villanova 46-29 in the second half. UConn's Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong led the charge, with Fudd scoring 25 points and Strong adding 21 despite early foul trouble. Villanova's Jasmine Bascoe had a game-high 26 points in the losing effort.

  • The Huskies have now won 44 consecutive games since last losing to Tennessee on February 6 of last year.
  • UConn has won 64 straight games against Big East opponents, including regular-season and tournament contests.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A standout sophomore guard for the UConn Huskies who scored 25 points in the win.

Sarah Strong

A junior forward for UConn who scored 21 points despite early foul trouble.

Jasmine Bascoe

A sophomore guard for the Villanova Wildcats who led all scorers with 26 points.

Denae Carter

A Villanova player who scored 21 points in the losing effort.

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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 (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

UConn's continued dominance in women's college basketball is a testament to their elite coaching, talented roster, and ability to overcome challenges. As the Huskies' win streak reaches historic proportions, they remain the team to beat in the sport.