For Tennessee, getting burned by a UConn freshman has become a yearly tradition. Since the series between the two schools was renewed, a first-year player has made the difference for the Huskies in each victory.
In 2020, Aubrey Griffin’s energy and hustle on the glass and defensive intensity got into Tennessee’s head and it started to throw the ball into the crowd even when no UConn defender was near. Last season, Paige Bueckers hit a game-clinching 3-pointer in the final minute as the shot clock expired — minutes after rolling her ankle.
On Sunday, it was Azzi Fudd’s turn to etch her name into the storied history of the rivalry with a team-high 25 points on 7-of-9 shooting in her first career start.