The No. 4 UConn women’s basketball team put on an astounding shooting display Tuesday night, sinking a program-record 20 three-pointers in a commanding 101-68 victory over Iowa State. The Huskies’ long-range barrage left fans and analysts alike in awe, as they comfortably surpassed their previous season high of 14 threes.
A Night for the Record Books
UConn’s sharpshooting was on full display from the opening tip, with sophomore guard Ashlynn Shade leading the charge. Shade, who finished the night with a career-high 27 points, was a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for what would become a historic evening.
“It means everything to be a part of something that’s so big, being part of UConn history,” Shade said after the game. “It’s just super surreal.”
Ashlynn Shade, UConn sophomore guard
Shade wasn’t the only Husky to catch fire from deep. Freshman Sarah Strong knocked down a career-high five threes en route to 29 points, while senior star Paige Bueckers added five triples of her own, finishing with 27 points.
A Trio for the Ages
The performances of Shade, Strong, and Bueckers marked the first time in the last 25 seasons that UConn had three players each score at least 25 points in a single game. Moreover, the trio became the first in Division I history to each record at least 25 points and five three-pointers in the same contest over that same span.
“I think we’re going to need three legitimate big-time scorers the entire season,” UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said. “Where they come from, it really doesn’t matter to me, but hopefully we’ll have at least four maybe when Azzi [Fudd] gets back.”
Geno Auriemma, UConn head coach
Iowa State Left Stunned
On the other side of the court, Iowa State could only watch in disbelief as UConn’s shots continued to fall. The Cyclones, who connected on just 8 of their 25 attempts from three-point range, were simply outmatched by the Huskies’ offensive onslaught.
“The way they shot the ball was unlike something I’ve seen in a long time,” Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly said after the game. “It would have been a bad game of H-O-R-S-E the way they were knocking them in.”
Bill Fennelly, Iowa State head coach
Looking Ahead
With the resounding victory, UConn improved to 8-1 on the season and will now turn its attention to a top-10 showdown with No. 7 USC on Saturday in Hartford, Connecticut. The Huskies will look to build upon their record-setting performance and continue their quest for another national championship.
As for Iowa State, the loss drops them to 6-3 on the year. The Cyclones will aim to regroup and bounce back as they prepare for the remainder of their challenging non-conference schedule and the rigors of Big 12 play.
A Night to Remember
Tuesday night’s contest will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable shooting performances in UConn women’s basketball history. The Huskies’ record-breaking display of three-point prowess not only showcased their immense talent but also served as a warning to the rest of the college basketball world: UConn is once again a force to be reckoned with.
As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will eagerly await the return of Azzi Fudd, whose addition to this already potent lineup could elevate the Huskies to even greater heights. For now, however, UConn will savor this historic victory and the knowledge that, on any given night, they possess the firepower to overwhelm even the toughest of opponents.
