UConn faces Butler today seeking a 25th straight victory while shorthanded. Star forward Sarah Strong sits out for rest in a Big East matchup that tests the Huskies without their leading scorer. Can Azzi Fudd and company extend the undefeated streak?
🔥 Quick Facts
- UConn Record: 24-0 overall, 13-0 in Big East play, ranked No. 1
- Butler Record: 9-14 overall, 3-10 in Big East, 0-9 all-time vs UConn
- Sarah Strong Status: Out for rest, first missed game of her collegiate career
- Game Time: Saturday, February 7 at 12 PM ET, PeoplesBank Arena, Hartford
UConn on Quest for Historic 25th Win
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UConn enters today’s matchup seeking its 25th consecutive victory of the season. The Huskies are the lone remaining undefeated team in Division I women’s basketball. Coach Geno Auriemma’s squad has dominated Big East play with a perfect 13-0 conference record.
The Huskies score an impressive 90.2 points per game while holding opponents to just 50.7 points. UConn leads the Big East in scoring and field goal percentage, making 53.3% of their shots from the floor.
Butler Battles Tough Matchup Without Momentum
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Butler arrives as a clear underdog with a 9-14 record and 3-10 conference mark. The Bulldogs have never defeated UConn, falling 0-9 in program history against the Huskies. Their most recent loss came in December at 94-47, a 47-point blowout.
The Bulldogs average 56.7 points over their last ten games and struggle defensively. Leading scorers Saniya Jackson (9.7 ppg) and Mallory Miller (9.6 ppg) offer limited offensive firepower against the elite UConn defense.
Storyline Watch: UConn Tests Depth Without Star
| Factor | UConn | Butler |
| Conference Record | 13-0 | 3-10 |
| Top Scorer | Azzi Fudd, 17.5 ppg | Saniya Jackson, 9.7 ppg |
| Last Meeting | Won 94-47 | Lost 94-47 |
| Recent Form | 10-0 in last 10 | 2-8 in last 10 |
Sarah Strong’s absence marks a historic moment for the sophomore star. Strong, who won the 2025 WBCA National Freshman of the Year, has never missed a game in her collegiate career. The forward leads UConn in virtually every statistical category at 19.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists.
“I’m a very instinctual person,” Serah Williams said of her transfer choice. “Where can I have the most fun but also take a big jump on the court?”
— Serah Williams, UConn Senior Forward
Azzi Fudd Must Lead Shorthanded Attack
Azzi Fudd becomes the primary offensive catalyst with Strong sidelined. The senior shoots 44.9% from three-point range and averages 17.5 points per game. She’ll need strong support from Serah Williams, who averaged 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds at Wisconsin last season.
UConn also loses Blanca Quiñonez (shoulder injury) and Caroline Ducharme (migraine), leaving the team with just 10 available players. Despite the absences, UConn remains heavily favored, with sportsbooks giving 99% probability of victory.
Will UConn Stay Perfect Without Their Star Player?
The real question isn’t whether UConn wins today, but by how much. Even without Sarah Strong, the Huskies possess too much defensive firepower. UConn held opponents to 48.1 points over their last ten games while averaging 90.5 points per game.
Butler enters a Play4Kay game honoring Hall of Famer Kay Yow, who passed away in 2009 from breast cancer. The promotion raises awareness for women’s health while the Huskies pursue a 29th straight win on the national stage.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.