The UConn Huskies are gearing up for an exciting NCAA season, and if their exhibition game against Fort Hays State is any indication, they’re ready to make a statement. Under Geno Auriemma’s leadership, the Huskies dominated with a decisive 40-point win, closing out the game at 89-49. Leading the charge was none other than Paige Bueckers, who topped the scoreboard and showcased her skill in classic form. While Auriemma praised Bueckers’ stellar performance, he had a different response for team’s other experienced players.

When head coach Geno Auriemma took to the podium for the post-game media conference, he was met with questions about UConn’s slow start in the game. Auriemma quickly put those worries to rest, expressing no apprehension about the performance, and took a moment to praise the team’s lone veteran participation in that game while subtly downplaying other seasoned players missing from the roster.

“Concerning? No, I don’t have any concerns. I think the reason you play exhibition games is to kind of get out in public for the first time. So you expect your veteran players to play like veterans and you expect your young players to be a little bit nervous in the beginning, so all of our veterans played great. I thought she was, I thought Paige (Bueckers) was fantastic. All the other veterans, they were lousy, they were on the bench. So I’m not concerned,” stated Auriemma.

The Huskies tipped off with a starting lineup of Paige Bueckers, Kaitlyn Chen, Ashlynn Shade, Sarah Strong, and Ice Brady, showcasing a mix of experience and fresh talent. Bueckers, a redshirt senior, stands out as the only player with at least three seasons under her belt with UConn. Though Kaitlyn Chen also brings senior experience, she’s new to the Huskies this season, joining from Princeton via the transfer portal—meaning she’s yet to become a true veteran of the team.

As Auriemma pointed out the struggles of his other veterans, it became clear that the bench looked a little too full. Aside from Bueckers, senior stars Azzi Fudd and Aubrey Griffin, along with junior Caroline DuCharme, found themselves sidelined, still working their way back to full strength from injuries. But Bueckers rose to the occasion, more than making up for their absence with a stellar performance. She racked up 27 points, snagged 9 rebounds, and impressively hit 12 out of 14 field-goal attempts.

Bueckers wasn’t carrying the load alone, though. Her freshman and sophomore teammates stepped up, delivering a well-rounded team effort. Well, Auriemma, who had previously voiced concerns about the team’s inconsistency due to their limited experience, might finally have a reason to feel optimistic.

Young Huskies shine in dominant win, easing Auriemma’s concerns

The UConn Huskies put on an impressive all-around performance, with five players scoring in double digits to secure a dominant win over Fort Hays State. Shooting 50% from the field, the Huskies controlled the game, leading 53-33 in rebounds and outscoring their opponents 42-18 in the paint. Alongside standout Paige Bueckers, freshman Sarah Strong and sophomore Ashlynn Shade contributed 11 and 15 points, respectively, in the starting lineup.

New transfer Kaitlyn Chen made an impact as well, adding 14 points to the score. Sophomore Qadence Samuels came off the bench to add another 12 points, rounding out a well-distributed scoring effort. With six players on the roster coming from freshman or sophomore years, the Huskies showcased a strong performance despite their limited experience. For Auriemma, this balanced contribution is a welcome sight—especially after expressing concerns just days prior, about the challenges his young roster might face under pressure.

“I think — the — I have to make a decision a lot of times is the inconsistency because of inexperience. They just haven’t been in those situations enough times or the inconsistency because mentally you know we need to learn how to focus better we need to learn how to concentrate on exactly what it is,” stated Auriemma earlier.

But with Bueckers clearly showing she’s ready to lead the charge and her young teammates stepping up, Auriemma would be eager to start the season with a win as the Huskies’ campaign officially tips off on November 7th against Boston University.