The first half of yesterday’s matchup with Villanova was the worst I’ve seen UConn play all season. Normally, a team should be peaking at this time of the year, with March Madness less than a month away. But for UConn, the terrible first-half display was actually a good thing. Why? Because it provided a challenge.
The Big East does UConn no favors. It’s not a strong conference, so the Huskies combat that by scheduling a grueling nonconference slate. This season they played Louisville, Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Iowa, Notre Dame and Tennessee.
Both Notre Dame and Tennessee have been good, historically, and even beat UConn last season. But this year neither game was competitive, with the Huskies beating Notre Dame 85-47 on January 19, and Tennessee 96-66 on February 1. Those games were purposely scheduled in between conference matchups to provide a challenge, but that simply wasn’t the case. UConn was just too good. All that to say, UConn hasn’t been challenged since its 72-69 win over Michigan back in November.
Which is why the 83-69 victory against Villanova was so important. In March, teams have to be ready for anything. Sure, UConn could end up beating everyone by double-digits and hosting the trophy once more, but you have to be prepared for adversity.
Like trailing by three at the half.
Like giving up 40 first-half points.
Like Jasmine Bascoe going off for 26 points.
Like Sarah Strong battling foul trouble and picking up her fourth foul in the third quarter.
But despite all of that, UConn was ready to play in the second half.
It started – of course – with senior leader Azzi Fudd. The first possession of the second half was a set for Fudd to get an open 3. She drilled it. Last season’s MOP was the steady scoring force UConn needed. She always had an answer for Villanova’s attack, finishing with 25 points and 4 assists to power UConn’s offense.
And despite foul trouble, Strong still managed to make a huge impact, not letting the disruption affect her. She finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 assists and 3 blocks.
After giving up an uncharacteristic 40 points in the first half, UConn stepped up its defense, only allowing Villanova 29 points in the second.
The result was the same thing UConn has done 27 other times this season: A win. But getting there was ugly. The Huskies had to rally. They had to dig deep. They had to lean on their leaders. They had to claw to a victory.
It’s not a game Husky fans will want to go back and watch again, but it's one that will be instrumental in UConn’s tournament run.