STORRS, CT — Even with Azzi Fudd and KK Arnold in foul trouble early, No. 1 UConn had no trouble taking control in its 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament opener Saturday afternoon on its home turf.
The Huskies, improving to 35-0 on the year, used their defensive pressure and bench production to roll past No. 16 UTSA, 90-52, and advance to the second round, which is where UConn will meet No. 9 Syracuse with the game scheduled for this Monday, March 23rd.
UConn built a 48-14 halftime lead on UTSA and never looked back, finishing with 35 points off turnovers and got a strong lift from the bench.
The UConn Huskies blew out UTSA Saturday afternoon in their opening game of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament and will now meet Syracuse on Monday – Image Credit: UConn Women’s Basketball
Sophomore Sarah Strong led the way finishing with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals. Ashlynn Shade added 14 points, while Kayleigh Heckle provided UConn with important minutes off the bench with 11 points and five assists.
“They made a really great impact when they came into the game,” Strong said of the team’s bench. “They were ready when they were called on, so that’s really important for us. The special thing about our team is that anyone can come in and make a difference, make a big impact.”
Blanca Quiñonez’s performance helped the Huskies significantly as the Ecuador native came off the bench as well, recording 15 points and adding five rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Quiñonez helped spark an 18-1 run for the team and made the most of her March Madness debut on both ends of the floor.
Blanca Quiñonez, making her March Madness debut in UConn’s first round win vs. No. 16 UTSA on Saturday, made a significant impact for her team like she has all season long – Image Credit: UConn Women’s Basketball
After the game, Quiñonez said she approached the moment the same way she had in recent games.
“I just tried to approach the game the same way we did the last couple of games,” she said. “Just tried to play hard, aggressive and just try to do the best for our team, so just locked in like everybody.”
Head coach Geno Auriemma said he was encouraged by the way his team adapted and responded, especially when foul trouble forced others into bigger roles. UConn’s bench answered that challenge and helped the game stay out of reach by the second quarter.
Saturday’s win in front of a sold out home crowd of 10,244 at Gampel Pavilion also marked UConn’s 32nd straight first-round NCAA Tournament victory.
And it was another reminder that even when stars are limited early, the top-seeded Huskies can still pull out a W.
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