UConn made a strong statement in their NCAA Tournament opener, delivering a 103-34 demolition of Arkansas State. Right from the start the Huskies established complete control suffocating their opponents with relentless defense and an unstoppable offense.
The scoreline wasn’t just a win but a historic statement of UConn’s dominance in women’s college basketball.
Game Overview – Fudd, Strong, and Brady Shine
The game was effectively over in the first quarter as UConn raced to an unbelievable 34-5 lead. Arkansas State never found a rhythm struggling against UConn’s pressure.
By halftime, the margin had grown to 66-16, leaving no doubt about the outcome. Even in the second half, UConn didn’t let up, continuing to score at will while keeping Arkansas State’s offense completely shut down.
UConn’s dominance was a total team effort, but several players stood out. Azzi Fudd led all scorers with 27 points and seven rebounds, displaying her elite shooting ability. Sarah Strong and Ice Brady each added 20 points, contributing both offensively and defensively. Paige Bueckers chipped in 11 points and four assists, helping orchestrate the offense with her signature playmaking ability.
HUSKIES WIN@WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/wX9vg7RyOB
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 22, 2025
On the other hand, Arkansas State never found a solution to UConn’s suffocating defense. Their leading scorer, Crislyn Rose, finished with just 7 points, and the team managed only 34 total points, clearly reflecting their offensive struggles. The Red Wolves couldn’t penetrate UConn’s tight defensive rotations, which led to turnovers and poor shot selections throughout the game.
As a team, UConn shot 61% from the field, including an impressive 47% from three-point range. They outrebounded Arkansas State 45-19 and forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 30 fast-break points. Defensively, they held Arkansas State to just 24% shooting, completely disrupting their offensive flow.
Fan Reactions and Tournament Implications
The sheer dominance of UConn’s victory ignited a wave of reactions on social media, with fans in disbelief questioning if the score was even real, some comparing it to a video game blowout.
They expressed shock at the lopsided scoreline, with many calling it “brutal” and mocking that the game should have been stopped early. Some called it “way too easy,” while one fan described it as a “holy murder.” Many admired UConn’s efficiency and discipline, while others sympathized with Arkansas State.
For UConn, this victory is a powerful message to the rest of the tournament field. Their performance showcased elite-level execution, proving they are serious contenders for the national championship.
KEEP READING: UConn Star Paige Bueckers Jokingly Refers to Coach Geno Auriemma as an ‘Evil Genius’ Ahead of NCAA Tournament
Arkansas State, meanwhile, will need to regroup and reflect on its season, using this game as motivation for future improvement.
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