The University of Connecticut Women’s basketball team continues to dominate in the NCAA Tournament as they advance to the Elite Eight with a victory over Iowa State. The UConn Huskies defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 84-74 in a competitive and thrilling game, extending their winning streak to 25 in a row.
The Huskies started strong, with senior guard Christyn Williams leading the team with 27 points and eight rebounds. Freshman guard Paige Bueckers, the team’s leading scorer and reigning National Freshman of the Year, added 18 points, while junior guard Olivia Nelson-Ododa added 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Cyclones put up a strong fight, but the Huskies’ athleticism and depth proved to be too much. Iowa State’s Ashley Joens scored 17 points in the first half, but with the UConn defense tightening up in the second half, she was only able to score two more points for a total of 19.
Overall, UConn’s defense was crucial in their victory. The Huskies forced 16 turnovers and held the Cyclones to 43% shooting from the field. While the game was competitive, UConn’s resilience and execution in crucial moments made all the difference.
This win marks UConn’s 15th consecutive trip to the Elite Eight, the longest streak in NCAA history. Head coach Geno Auriemma, who has led the team to 11 national championships, praised his team’s effort and leadership.
“We’ve got some players that, when things are going good, they can make plays and they did that. But most importantly, when things weren’t going so good, they made plays,” Auriemma said. “I think that’s the most impressive thing about our team.”
With this win, UConn advances to the Elite Eight where they will face the winner of the Baylor-Michigan matchup. The Huskies are considered one of the top contenders to win the championship, and their performance in the tournament so far only confirms that they are a team to be reckoned with.
The UConn Huskies continue to prove that they are one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball, with their sights set on yet another championship. With talented players and a legendary coach at the helm, the Huskies are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament.