In a dazzling display of basketball brilliance UConn’s Azzi Fudd set the Final Four ablaze tonight, racking up a staggering 19 points in the first half against top-seeded UCLA. The redshirt junior guard whose career has been plagued by injuries shot an efficient 7 for 11 from the field, including three triples, propelling the Huskies to a commanding 42-22 halftime lead.
Azzi Fudd’s First-Half Masterclass Left UCLA Scrambling
Social media immediately ignited with praise as fans and analysts marveled at Fudd’s scoring clinic. “She going for 40 damn,” wrote one excited fan capturing the collective awe sweeping across X. The performance marks Fudd’s second-highest scoring half in NCAA Tournament play showcasing her triumphant return to college basketball’s biggest stage.
With teammate Paige Bueckers struggling early (3 for 10 in the first half), Fudd seized the spotlight in Tampa, Fla. Her scoring barrage included a perfect touch from beyond the arc, going 3 for 5 on three-pointers. “Azzi Fudd came to PLAY,” declared UConn’s official account as fans marvel at her seemingly unstoppable offensive arsenal.
AZZI FUDD IN THE FIRST HALF 🔥
19 PTS, 7-11 FG, 3 3PM 🪣 pic.twitter.com/h0dIPQCW6U
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 5, 2025
Fudd’s impact extended beyond scoring, contributing to UConn’s suffocating defense that forced 14 UCLA turnovers by halftime with three steals. “Azzi’s got that Final Four fire, every steal, every 3, she’s locked in,” noted one observer highlighting her complete performance.
Fudd’s Journey Back to Dominance
For UConn faithful, Fudd’s performance represents more than just an impressive statistical output — it symbolizes a triumphant comeback story. After missing 22 games in 2022-23 due to knee issues and suffering a season-ending ACL tear that limited her to just two appearances in 2023-24, many wondered if Fudd would ever recapture her elite form.
“Azzi Fudd coming back from all those injuries to drop 19 in a Final Four half is the story we all needed,” posted one emotional fan. The sentiment reflects the broader narrative surrounding her resilience with another adding “Seeing Azzi healthy and cooking UCLA like this after everything she’s been through? I’m emotional.”
Her first-half explosion extends a remarkable team statistic, UConn entered the game with a 24-1 record when Fudd scored 15 or more points. Fans quickly pointed out this correlation as the second half approached. “UConn’s 24-1 when Fudd drops 15+. She’s at 19 already UCLA’s toast, ” one confident supporter declared.
KEEP READING: How Many Points Did Paige Bueckers Score Tonight?
The basketball world watched intently as Fudd’s comeback story continued to unfold on college basketball’s biggest stage. Her first-half masterclass has established the narrative for the evening, “Azzi Fudd is back,” and social media can’t get enough of it.
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