The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team didn’t just win their final preseason exhibition — they sent a message. On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut, the top-ranked UConn Huskies demolished Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) 105-39, extending their exhibition dominance and sharpening their focus ahead of the 2025-26 season. It wasn’t just a win. It was a clinic. And for the SCSU Owls, a rare chance to see what the top of the mountain looks like — up close, and in full force.
UConn’s Depth on Full Display
Thirteen Huskies played. All thirteen scored. That’s not just depth — that’s dominance. Azzi Fudd, the graduate student and reigning national champion, led the way with 21 points, looking every bit the leader UConn needs her to be. Serah Williams added 14, Sarah Strong posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and freshman Blanca Quiñonez came off the bench to drop 12. Even the reserves looked like starters. The bench alone outscored SCSU 48-39.
Defensively? Unhinged. UConn forced 32 turnovers — a staggering number against any opponent, let alone a Division II team. They swiped 24 balls, led by junior KK Arnold with six steals. The Huskies turned those miscues into 36 points, turning defense into offense like a well-oiled machine. There’s a reason they’re defending national champs. It’s not just talent. It’s pressure. Constant, suffocating pressure.
SCSU’s Grit in the Shadow of Giants
Don’t mistake the score for a lack of heart. SCSU, a Northeast-10 Conference Division II program, started strong — 2-0 after Rheyna Steinauer’s driving layup, sparked by a defensive rebound from 5’4" graduate guard Jillian Martin. For them, this wasn’t just a tune-up. It was a measuring stick. "They want to be the best in Division II," said one commentator during the broadcast. And to do that, they need to face the best.
Leading the Owls was senior guard Taeya Steinauer with 10 points, followed by Iyanna Cotten’s 8-point performance (including two three-pointers). Hope Fox, a 5’8" junior, grabbed four rebounds and played tough, while Ally Sentance and Marisa Lee each chipped in. They didn’t win, but they didn’t quit. And in a game where the gap in talent is as wide as the Atlantic, that matters.
Chemistry Still Being Built
Even with all the points and steals, UConn’s players know they’re not finished. "We’re still working on our chemistry," said Azzi Fudd in post-game comments. "Different groups haven’t played together before. As the season goes on, we’ll learn each other’s games." That’s the quiet confidence of a team that’s been there before — they don’t need to dominate every possession to know they’re ready. They just need to keep building.
The Huskies’ roster has a mix of veterans and newcomers, and the chemistry is evolving. Strong’s double-double, Quiñonez’s spark off the bench, Arnold’s relentless steals — these aren’t just stats. They’re pieces clicking into place. Fudd’s leadership, Williams’ poise, and the emergence of freshmen like Quiñonez suggest this team might be even deeper than last year’s title-winning squad.
What’s Next? The Real Test Begins
UConn’s official season opens Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, against No. 20 Louisville in the Armed Forces Classic, broadcast on ESPN. That’s the first real test. Louisville’s pressure defense, their athleticism — it’s a different kind of challenge than what SCSU offered.
Meanwhile, SCSU will head back to the James Moore Field House to open their regular season on November 15 against Georgian Court. Their season won’t be measured in wins over top-five teams — but in how much they’ve grown from playing them.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Score
Exhibition games are often overlooked. But this one wasn’t just about preparation. It was about visibility. For SCSU, playing UConn at PeoplesBank Arena meant national exposure, a chance for their players to be seen by recruiters, scouts, and fans who rarely notice Division II programs. For UConn, it was a reminder: they’re not just defending a title. They’re setting the standard.
And there’s something else: the culture. UConn’s program doesn’t just win — it elevates everyone around it. SCSU uses men’s practice players to simulate opponents. One commentator put it bluntly: "There’s nothing to prepare for the pressure that UConn gives you." That’s the truth. No drill, no scrimmage, no film session can replicate the intensity of playing against a dynasty that’s won 11 national titles.
UConn’s win streak in exhibitions now stands at 28 straight. But the real number to watch? The 13 players who scored. That’s not luck. That’s depth. That’s legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did UConn’s bench contribute to the blowout win?
UConn’s bench outscored SCSU’s entire team, racking up 48 points. Freshman Blanca Quiñonez led the reserves with 12 points, while Allie Ziebell added 13 and Sarah Strong contributed 11 of her own. This depth allowed starters to rest while maintaining defensive pressure, a key reason UConn forced 32 turnovers and turned them into 36 points.
What does this game mean for SCSU’s season?
For SCSU, the game was less about winning and more about growth. Facing the reigning national champions gave their players exposure to elite pressure, something they can’t replicate with men’s practice players. Their season opener against Georgian Court on November 15 will be a chance to apply those lessons — especially in transition defense and ball movement under duress.
Why is Azzi Fudd’s leadership so critical for UConn this season?
Fudd returned with championship experience and a new level of confidence, scoring 21 points in the exhibition while directing the offense. As the team’s most experienced player, her ability to elevate younger players like Quiñonez and manage rotations will be vital in close games — especially as UConn navigates a tougher Big East slate this year.
How does UConn’s defensive performance compare to past seasons?
With 24 steals and 32 forced turnovers, UConn’s defense matched their 2024 title-winning pace. Last season, they averaged 18.3 steals per game; this exhibition suggests they’re trending higher. KK Arnold’s six steals alone are a sign the team’s perimeter pressure is intensifying — a trend that could make them even more dominant this year.
What’s the significance of playing at PeoplesBank Arena instead of Gampel Pavilion?
PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford is UConn’s secondary home court and often hosts high-profile exhibitions and regional games. Playing here helps build fan engagement across Connecticut, not just in Storrs. It also gives the team experience playing in a more intimate, louder environment — a contrast to the massive Gampel Pavilion, which could help them adapt to hostile road venues during the season.
When will UConn face another major test after Louisville?
After the Armed Forces Classic, UConn faces No. 4 South Carolina on November 22 in a highly anticipated matchup — their first true road test of the season. That game, at Colonial Life Arena, will be a barometer for whether UConn can maintain their dominance against another national title contender.
