The UConn women’s basketball team showcased their dominance with a commanding 79-51 victory over No. 16 USC on December 13, 2025, marking their tenth consecutive win of the season. The Huskies, who are currently ranked No. 1, have set their sights on achieving an undefeated regular season, a feat that would add to their storied legacy in women’s college basketball.
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma praised freshman Blanca Quinonez, who delivered an impressive performance with 12 points, four steals, and four rebounds. Despite her contributions, Auriemma noted areas for improvement, specifically a moment before halftime when Quinonez failed to contest a layup from USC’s Londynn Jones. Auriemma’s critique serves as a reminder of the learning curve for the young player, as he balances high expectations with the realities of a freshman’s transition to college basketball.
“I look for those moments because if I don’t, all the other moments are amazing,” Auriemma stated, acknowledging that Quinonez has adapted quickly to the collegiate level. This season, the Huskies have achieved a perfect 10-0 record, their best start since the 2020-21 season, reflecting a strong team dynamic and commitment to improvement.
Azzi Fudd, a star guard for UConn, led the scoring against USC with 17 points. She commented on the team’s approach, emphasizing the importance of consistent intensity regardless of the opponent. “We’re trying to play UConn basketball and we’re trying to get better, trying to learn, trying to just play together,” Fudd said.
The match against USC illustrated UConn’s ability to dominate, as they trailed for only seven minutes and 21 seconds across their ten games this season. The 2 minutes and 53 seconds they spent behind USC marked the longest deficit they have faced thus far. UConn ranks fifth in the nation for scoring margin, winning games by an average of 38 points, and they have achieved victories against four ranked opponents.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb acknowledged the challenge posed by UConn, stating, “You play a team like this because you know that if you don’t play hard and get it right, it’s not going to be good enough.” The defeat on home court reflected the stark reality of facing a top-ranked team.
An intriguing aspect of the victory was the performance of Sarah Strong, UConn’s standout forward, who played through a stomach bug. Although she scored 14 points and contributed seven rebounds, it was notable that this was the first game against a top-25 opponent where she did not lead her team in scoring or rebounding. Despite her off day, UConn continued to control the game, outscoring USC in the paint 44-22 and dominating the boards 41-33.
Contributing to the victory, Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams played a pivotal role with a season-high nine rebounds. Auriemma expressed satisfaction with Williams’ intensity, especially in the opening minutes of the game. “There’s a difference in your team when you can get really good, solid play from your post players,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, UConn has only three ranked games remaining in the 2025-26 season, with their next match set against No. 11 Iowa at Barclays Center. With their toughest road test behind them and a lack of formidable challengers in the Big East, an undefeated regular season appears increasingly attainable for the Huskies.
Historically, only ten teams have finished a season undefeated in women’s basketball, six of which are UConn teams. The last time the Huskies entered the NCAA Tournament without a loss was in the 2017-18 season, which ended in a historic 111-game winning streak before a loss to Notre Dame in the Final Four.
Auriemma, who has navigated fluctuations in team performance due to injuries and changes in the competitive landscape of college basketball, views this year’s squad with optimism. “We’re starting to get a little bit of identity, a sense of who we are and what our games look like,” he said. The UConn women’s basketball program continues to build on its legacy, poised for a remarkable season ahead.
