UConn Huskies freshman Blanca Quiñonez continues to amaze head coach Geno Auriemma in the team’s 70-52 win against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Elite Eight. Quinonez, who averages 10.6 points per game this season, had 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. She shot 58.3% from the field, including 50% from the 3-point line.
The Huskies’ freshman has done extremely well in the ongoing NCAA Tournament. Coming off the bench, Quinonez has contributed with 15 points in the first round, 18 in the second and 16 in Super 16. All these numbers are well more than her season average, highlighting her consistency.
After their win against Notre Dame on Sunday, Auriemma spoke about Quinonez’s contribution over the last four games in the March Madness. When asked if the freshman’s performance has surprised him, Auriemma said:
“Yeah, it has surprised me, because if you’ve never been in this environment, it’s hard to just say, yeah, it’s just another game, because she knows it’s not,” Auriemma said. “The regular season for her was a lot of ups, a lot of downs, a lot of in-betweens, but each week in practice, each day, each week in practice from November to now, she’s gotten better.
“She’s gotten more comfortable with what we’re doing. She sits on the bench and she pays attention, and she’s always on the attack. I think she’s played in a lot of knockout games in her career.”
Auriemma also highlighted Quinonez’s history in European basketball.
You’re playing in Europe, it’s one and done, there’s not a series—you play and you lose, you’re out. So having the win is not, hey, we got tomorrow, we don’t have tomorrow. So she plays with a poise and an aggressiveness that are a little more mature than her age,” Auriemma added.
Geno Auriemma enters 25th Final Four with UConn
Geno Auriemma is writing a legendary story in women’s basketball in Storrs. After winning on Sunday, UConn has secured a spot in the Final Four. They are in their 25th Final Four with Auriemma leading them.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been prouder to take a team to the Final Four than this one,” Auriemma said.
Auriemma’s UConn are undefeated so far this season but the pressure can get too much, fears the head coach.
“Getting all the way to this point undefeated is a lot of baggage to carry, right?” Auriemma said. “I mean, every day somebody is coming after you to break your streak.”
Auriemma and UConn’s Final Four opponent is yet to be determined.
Read More News:
Lauren & Sienna Betts’ 7 Ft Dad Steals the Limelight Even as UCLA Seal Final Four Berth
Hannah Hidalgo Warns Geno Auriemma After UConn HC Inquires About WNBA Eligibility
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
