UConn Dominates Villanova to Claim 24th Big East Tournament Title
Mar 9, 2026; Uncasville, CT, USA; UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) shoots the ball against Villanova Wildcats guard Kennedy Henry (22) in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The top-ranked UConn Huskies continued their march toward history Monday night, routing Villanova 90-51 at Mohegan Sun Arena to capture their 24th Big East tournament championship. The victory extended UConn’s perfect season to 34-0 and marked their 50th consecutive win overall.
Azzi Fudd led the scoring with 19 points on 8-13 shooting, while Sarah Strong contributed 18 points and eight rebounds in just 22 minutes of action. Strong was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after averaging 17.3 points over three games. KK Arnold added 10 points and seven assists, earning praise from coach Geno Auriemma for her defensive intensity and leadership.
« I think it’s a great accomplishment what we’ve been able to achieve so far this year, » Fudd said. « We’ll have a couple days off, and our work isn’t done yet. … Being Big East champion won’t really matter in a couple of weeks. »
the Champs 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Aw7tquYJul
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 10, 2026
Defensive Dominance Sets the Tone
UConn’s suffocating defense proved to be the difference-maker throughout the tournament. The Huskies held their three opponents to a combined 133-point margin of defeat, with no team shooting better than 30% from the field. Against Villanova, UConn forced the Wildcats into 27.3% shooting while outrebounding them 49-34.
The Huskies established control early, jumping to a 23-11 first-quarter lead behind Strong’s aggressive play. Unlike their previous meeting where Villanova led at halftime, UConn never trailed and extended their advantage to 49-23 by the break. Fudd and Blanca Quiñonez, who finished with 13 points, helped fuel the decisive second-quarter surge.
one thing about Kayleigh Heckel, she's going to make the craziest shot pic.twitter.com/t147LJWt1T
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 10, 2026
« We can’t let them get going, just try to play our defense, » Strong explained. « Speed them up and get them out of their rhythm. »
Villanova’s leading scorer Jasmine Bascoe was held to just two points in the first half before finishing with a team-high 14 points. The Wildcats improved their 3-point shooting from their semifinal performance but still managed only 7-37 from beyond the arc.
Perfect Season Continues Toward March
With the championship secured, UConn enters the NCAA tournament undefeated for the 11th time in program history. The Huskies are guaranteed a No. 1 seed when the March Madness bracket is revealed Sunday and stand just six wins away from a record 13th national title.
« We did what we needed to do to build that résumé, » Villanova coach Denise Dillon said. « Look at our record, 25-7, three of those losses coming to the No. 1 team in the nation. … Excited for next Sunday to see where we’re getting sent. »
The Huskies have now won all six Big East tournament titles since rejoining the conference in 2021, adding to their collection of 26 conference championships since 2013. With at least 11 days before their first NCAA tournament contest, UConn will look to maintain their perfect form as they chase back-to-back national championships.
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