Azzi Fudd Turns in Season-Greatest Effort to Assist No. 1 UConn Defeat No. 6 Michigan

[ad_1] Azzi Fudd scored 31 factors and Sarah Sturdy added 16 factors and 20 rebounds to guide No. 1 UConn to a 72-69 victory over sixth-ranked Michigan on Friday evening within the Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame Ladies's Showcase.

Huskies coach Geno Auriemma had stated earlier within the week that Michigan is perhaps the most effective group that his group would play this early within the season. He wasn't improper.

UConn (5-0) regarded like it might run away with it early, constructing a 17-point lead halfway by way of the third quarter earlier than the Wolverines (4-1) rallied. They used a 13-0 run to tug to 49-45 heading into the fourth.

Fudd ended a virtually 8-minute scoring drought for the Huskies hitting a 3-pointer to start out her personal private 9-0 run and restore a double-digit benefit for UConn.

Michigan wasn't executed, rallying to 68-66 within the last minute on a 3-pointer by Syla Swords with 22.2 seconds left. The Wolverines fouled Fudd 5 seconds later and the guard calmly hit two free throws to revive the two-possession lead.

Swords as soon as once more answered hitting a deep 3-pointer with about 12 seconds left, making it 70-69.

Fudd then hit two extra free throws with just below 8 seconds left and Michigan could not get a last shot off to tie it.

Swords completed with 29 factors and Olivia Olson added 18 for the Wolverines.

No. 6 Michigan Wolverines vs. No. 1 UConn Huskies Highlights 🏀 FOX School Hoops Try the most effective moments from this thrilling Ladies's School Basketball matchup between the No. 6 Michigan Wolverines and the No. 1 UConn Huskies!

UConn jumped throughout Michigan with Sturdy main the best way on each ends of the court docket. She had six factors, 9 rebounds and three blocks within the first 10 minutes because the Huskies led 22-5 after one quarter. Fudd took over within the second quarter, scoring 13 factors because the Huskies led 45-27 on the half.

This was the third time up to now two seasons that Michigan has confronted a No. 1 group within the ballot. The Wolverines misplaced to South Carolina to open the season final yr after which have been crushed by Massive Ten foe UCLA. Previous to these conferences, Michigan had solely confronted a No. 1 group as soon as earlier than — a loss to Iowa in 1988.

Up subsequent UConn will play Utah and Michigan will face Syracuse on Sunday within the second set of video games on this match.

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