When Azzi Fudd drained a three-pointer with 4:12 left in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t just a shot—it was a lifeline. UConn had gone nearly eight minutes without scoring. The crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena had gone silent. And Michigan, down by 17, was smelling blood. But Fudd didn’t just end the drought. She ignited a 9-0 run that saved the game. By the final buzzer, her 31 points had carried UConn Huskies to a 72-69 win over Michigan Wolverines in the first-ever meeting between the two programs—part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Women's ShowcaseUncasville, Connecticut on Friday night.
A Dominant Start, Then a Collapse
UConn didn’t just start strong—they obliterated Michigan early. The Huskies opened with a 22-5 first-quarter run, fueled by Sarah Strong’s six points, nine rebounds, and three blocks in just ten minutes. The Wolverines looked lost. Turnovers piled up. UConn forced eight in the first half alone. Fudd added 13 points in the second quarter, and by halftime, the lead was 45-27. It looked like a coronation.
But basketball, especially at this level, doesn’t care about early leads. Michigan, coached by Ryan Pedon, adjusted. They switched to a zone defense that smothered UConn’s perimeter rhythm. They crashed the boards. They took charges. And they clawed back. A 13-0 run in the third quarter cut the lead to 49-45. The Huskies, suddenly rattled, missed six straight shots. The arena shifted. The energy flipped. This wasn’t a tune-up anymore—it was a war.
Fudd’s Moment, Strong’s Anchor
That’s when Fudd took over. The senior guard, who entered the game averaging 24.8 points, had been quiet in the third. But with UConn on the brink, she became unstoppable. Her three-pointer broke the scoring drought. Then came a drive, a step-back jumper, and two more free throws. Nine points in 90 seconds. Suddenly, it was 58-45. Michigan called timeout. The crowd roared. The scoreboard told the story: UConn wasn’t just winning. They were surviving.
And behind Fudd, Sarah Strong was the immovable object. Her 20 rebounds—seven on the offensive glass—were the difference in a game where every possession mattered. She blocked two critical shots in the final two minutes, including one that erased a Michigan layup attempt with 1:12 left. "That was blocked by Strong," the broadcast said. No need for elaboration. Everyone watching knew what it meant.
Michigan’s Fight, and the Near-Miss
Michigan didn’t fold. Sune Yde dropped 29 points, hitting tough mid-range jumpers like she was in practice. Olivia Olson added 18, and even role players like Dudley and Del made plays. Down three with 12 seconds left, Michigan had a chance. But Fudd, who had already done so much, stole the inbounds pass. "Oh, it’s taken away. A steal by FUD," the announcer cried. Michigan scrambled, got the ball back, but Del’s heave from half-court fell short. No foul. Game over.
"They will not call a timeout," the broadcast noted, as the clock ticked under eight seconds. That line said everything. Michigan knew they were one play away. UConn knew they were one play from disaster. And Fudd, cool as ice, sank two free throws to seal it.
Geno Was Right
Geno Auriemma, the legendary UConn head coach, had warned his team all week: "Michigan might be the best team that his team would play this early in the season." He wasn’t wrong. The Wolverines, 4-1 entering the game, weren’t just competitive—they were dangerous. Their defense held UConn to just 38% shooting after halftime. They outrebounded them in the second half. They made the Huskies earn every inch.
"Not only is Michigan getting stopped, they’re capitalizing on Yukon’s mistakes," the broadcaster noted, referring to UConn’s early offensive tempo. That’s the irony: UConn’s speed became their vulnerability. Michigan didn’t outshoot them—they outsmarted them.
Why This Game Matters
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. UConn, now 6-0, showed they can win ugly. They can survive droughts. They can handle pressure. And they still have Fudd, who’s playing like a future WNBA lottery pick. But more importantly, Michigan proved they belong in the elite conversation. For years, the top of women’s college basketball has been dominated by a handful of programs. This game suggests the landscape is widening.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Women's ShowcaseUncasville, Connecticut delivered exactly what it promised: a showcase of talent, grit, and drama. "Folks, it’s only November 21st," the announcer said, "but that’s about as good of a college basketball game as you will see." He wasn’t exaggerating.
What’s Next?
UConn heads into conference play with a marquee win and a renewed sense of resilience. Michigan, despite the loss, earned national respect. Both teams are likely to remain top-10 contenders. The next time they meet? Don’t be surprised if it’s in the NCAA Tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Azzi Fudd’s performance compare to her season average?
Fudd’s 31 points exceeded her season average of 24.8, marking her highest-scoring game of the year. She shot 11-of-22 from the field and 5-of-8 from three, while adding five rebounds and three steals. Her 9-0 run in the fourth quarter was the most decisive stretch of her college career so far.
Why was Sarah Strong’s 20 rebounds so critical?
Michigan outrebounded UConn in the second half, and without Strong’s 20 boards—including seven offensive rebounds—UConn would’ve lost possession too often. Her defensive presence also disrupted Michigan’s inside scoring attempts, particularly in the final minutes when the Wolverines were desperate for easy baskets.
What made Michigan’s comeback possible?
Michigan switched to a zone defense that clogged passing lanes and forced UConn into tough, contested shots. They also capitalized on UConn’s eight first-half turnovers and went on a 13-0 run in the third quarter, fueled by Sune Yde’s scoring and Olivia Olson’s physical play inside.
Is this the first time UConn and Michigan have played?
Yes. Despite both programs being national powerhouses for decades, this was their first-ever meeting on the court. The game was historic not just for the outcome, but for the fact that two elite programs had never faced each other in the regular season before.
What’s the significance of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase?
The annual event, held at Mohegan Sun Arena, brings together top-ranked women’s teams early in the season to showcase elite talent before conference play begins. It’s become a barometer for national title contenders—this year’s game proved why it’s one of the most anticipated non-conference matchups on the calendar.
Could Michigan be a Final Four contender this year?
Absolutely. Despite the loss, Michigan showed they can compete with the nation’s best. Sune Yde’s scoring, Olivia Olson’s interior presence, and their defensive discipline suggest they’re more than just a mid-major sleeper—they’re a legitimate top-10 team with a path to March.
