UConn Huskies Punch Ticket to 25th Final Four

Unbeaten Huskies overcome challenges to reach Phoenix for NCAA Women's Basketball Championship

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a women's basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, crimson, and white conveying the intensity and focus of the UConn Huskies' undefeated season.UConn's undefeated journey to the Final Four has been a masterful display of teamwork and resilience, as captured in this cubist-inspired illustration.Fort Worth Today

The University of Connecticut women's basketball team secured its 25th Final Four appearance with a 70-52 victory over Notre Dame in the Elite Eight. Despite some offensive struggles, the Huskies' stifling defense carried them to the win and an undefeated 38-0 record on the season. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said he has never been prouder to take a team to the Final Four, praising the squad's ability to handle the pressure of an undefeated campaign.

Why it matters

UConn's sustained excellence in women's basketball is unparalleled, with the Huskies making the Final Four in 17 of the last 18 seasons. This year's team has continued that tradition, navigating the challenges of an undefeated season to reach the national semifinals once again. The Huskies' continued dominance is a testament to their program's culture and the leadership of Auriemma.

The details

Despite a sluggish offensive performance that saw them score just 12 points in the second quarter and 15 in the third, the Huskies' stifling defense kept them in control throughout the game against Notre Dame. Star guard Azzi Fudd was held to 13 points, but UConn's depth and defensive intensity proved too much for the Fighting Irish. The Huskies are now one step away from completing their seventh undefeated season and winning consecutive national championships for the fourth time in program history.

  • UConn won its 54th consecutive game on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • This will be UConn's 25th Final Four appearance in program history and 17th in the last 18 years.
  • The 2026 Women's Final Four will take place in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, who has led the program to 25 Final Four appearances and is seeking his seventh undefeated national championship season.

Azzi Fudd

A senior guard for the UConn Huskies who was held to 13 points in the Elite Eight victory over Notre Dame, but has been a key contributor to the team's undefeated season.

Sarah Strong

A standout sophomore for the UConn Huskies who has helped lead the team's dominant run this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't think I've ever been prouder to take a team to the Final Four than this team right here.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“That means a lot. I mean, he doesn't say anything he doesn't mean. He doesn't give out compliments too often, depending on who you are. So to hear him say that, it does mean a lot, and we feel the same way. We love this team so much, so it does mean the world to go to the Final Four with everyone.”

— Azzi Fudd, Senior Guard, UConn Huskies

“Winning this game is so hard. I mean, imagine the catastrophic feeling if UConn loses this game today. Oh, my God, you know, 38 or -- whatever the heck we are, and everybody back home everywhere, oh, you're undefeated, and you can't get to the Final Four. That's tragedy.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“I am really proud of them because getting all the way to this point undefeated is a lot of baggage to carry. I mean, every day somebody is coming after you to break your streak or to, you know -- you have to carry that we're undefeated. So I'm really proud of the way they've handled all this and how they don't let it bother them. They don't get caught up in anything other than, 'What do we have to do today?'”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

“As far as adversity goes, I would say the adversity is me, right? Every day for five months, they have to put up with me, so I try to be for them all the things that can happen at this time of the year that you need to be prepared for.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Huskies

What’s next

In Phoenix, the undefeated UConn Huskies will try to complete their seventh undefeated season and win consecutive national championships for the fourth time in program history.

The takeaway

UConn's continued excellence and dominance in women's basketball is a testament to the program's culture and the leadership of Geno Auriemma. Despite the pressure of an undefeated season, this Huskies team has navigated the challenges and is now one step away from another national championship.