Fudd, Strong lead UConn past Florida State after unveiling the 2024-25 national championship banner

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Azzi Fudd scored 20 of her 23 points in the first half and Sarah Strong added 21 as top-ranked UConn defeated Florida State 99-67 on Sunday to win its home opener for the 35th season in a row.

Kayleigh Heckel added 12 points and six steals off the bench for UConn (2-0).

Florida State (2-1) was led by Sole Williams with 14 points. Allie Kubek and Jasmine Shaver added 11 points each.

UConn got off to a bit of a sluggish start, missing seven of its first nine layups. The Huskies used a late basket by Heckel to take a 10-point lead after the first quarter. Heckel's defense was her calling card in the second quarter. She had five of UConn's eight steals in the quarter.

Strong had five points and Fudd added four points during a 12-0 run to push UConn's lead to 17. After a pair of free throws by Pania Davis, the Huskies ended the second quarter on a 10-0 run with Fudd scoring the final eight points to give UConn the 51-27 lead at halftime.

Serah Williams had seven points in a 15-0 run in the third quarter.

Ayanna Patterson, who missed the last two seasons due to injury, scored her first basket at Gampel Pavilion since a March 20, 2023 NCAA Tournament win over Baylor.

UConn has five new players, including Williams, a transfer from Wisconsin. UConn is counting on its depth to replace the departure of All-American guard Paige Bueckers. UConn topped Florida State 37-17 in bench points.

UConn unveiled the 2024-25 national championship before the game. Aubrey Griffin returned for the ceremony and was joined by nine current players who saw time on the title-winning team. There were video messages from Paige Bueckers and Kaitlyn Chen as well.

Up Next

Florida State: The Seminoles are home against Nicholls State on Wednesday.

UConn: The Huskies host Loyola (Chicago) on Wednesday.

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