The UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, coached by Geno Auriemma, have their sights set on the 2026 March Madness tournament. Auriemma, reflecting on the pressures of maintaining success, acknowledged the challenges ahead despite their recent achievements.
Dominance in the Big East
UConn’s dominance in the Big East is clear. Their recent 90-51 victory over Villanova in the Big East tournament final marked their 31st conference tournament title, a 12th consecutive win. This latest triumph also extended the Huskies’ winning streak to 50 consecutive victories.
However, Auriemma noted that national championships are the true standard in Storrs. The team doesn’t celebrate conference tournament wins with the same enthusiasm as NCAA victories. Following their Big East tournament win, players like senior guard Azzi Fudd acknowledged that there was still work to be done.
The Drive for a 13th National Title
UConn are aiming for their 13th NCAA title and seventh perfect season. They secured the NCAA title last season with a 37-3 record. Despite the departure of Paige Bueckers, who became the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year, the Huskies, led by Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, may be an even stronger team.
Auriemma, while acknowledging Bueckers’ absence, conceded that the current team is capable of playing at a high level. Should the Huskies secure another national championship, they will surpass the record of last season’s team.
Sarah Strong’s Impact
Sarah Strong has been a key factor in the team’s success. Strong, the top recruit from the class of 2024, has lived up to expectations. As a freshman, she started all 40 games, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while shooting 58.6% from the field.
In the 2025 Final Four, Strong led UConn with a combined 46 points and 23 rebounds across victories against UCLA and South Carolina. She shot 67.9% from the field in those games, and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley suggested that Strong has the potential to become the best UConn player of all time.
With their eyes on the 2026 March Madness bracket, the UConn Huskies aim to continue their winning tradition and secure another national championship.