This season, it’s all about powerhouse duos in NCAA women’s basketball. On one side, you’ve got UConn with Geno at the helm, leaning on the electric Azzi Fudd to lead the charge. On the other, Notre Dame’s got their dynamic duo tearing it up on the court, with Coach Niele Ivey bringing the heat and setting the tone for some serious competition. Two teams, both packed with talent and hungry for a championship. The question is, when the pressure’s on, who’s really built to dominate?

SNY’s Chelsea Sherrod caught up with UConn HC Geno Auriemma and star guard Azzi Fudd after their big 73-55 win over Georgetown. Auriemma didn’t waste time giving credit to Fudd and Sarah for their outstanding performances. “They’re both really good offensive players, so it’s no surprise,” he said. He even praised their ability to step up and take control when it mattered, adding, “They’re getting the chance to be even more aggressive, and they’re making the most of it.”

But Auriemma also emphasizes that they’re finding opportunities to be even more aggressive than usual. “I think they’re getting an opportunity to be even more aggressive than they normally are,” he says, recognizing their ability to make an impact when it matters most.

Azzi Fudd didn’t just play well—she took over. She straight-up dominated, putting up 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. She reminded everyone why she’s one of the toughest players in college basketball. As Auriemma put it, “So I’m glad AZ played well.” But it wasn’t just Fudd carrying the load. Auriemma’s praise for Sarah—“Sarah just keeps being Sarah”—sums it up. She’s steady, reliable, and ready to step up when the team needs her.

These players are stepping up and showing what they’re made of, but for UConn to keep the success rolling, it’s gonna take more than just Azzi and Sarah. As the season gets more intense and the championship stakes rise, UConn is finding its rhythm.

Geno Auriemma Faces Notre Dame’s Rising Firestorm

It’s like stepping into the ring with a challenge that says, “Bring it on.” Geno is not just tipping his hat to Notre Dame’s solid squad, it looks like he’s also making it clear that UConn isn’t backing down from the challenge. He knows Notre Dame’s “dangerous duo” is something to watch, but UConn is ready to match that fire and bring their A-game.

The UConn-Notre Dame rivalry is a classic in women’s basketball, and today’s game only made it hotter. Geno has been highling for years that rivalries like this grow over time, and every game just adds more fuel to the fire. With new coaches and fresh faces on both sides, the intensity of this matchup keeps getting cranked up. Every time these two teams meet, it feels like there’s something new on the line, and this game was no exception.

Not too long ago, Notre Dame had everyone talking when they handed UConn their first loss of the season with a 79-68 statement win. That game was all about Hannah Hidalgo. She went off for 29 points, showing everyone she’s built for big moments. That win wasn’t just a victory; it flipped the script on the rivalry. Notre Dame’s “dangerous duo” had officially taken center stage, and Coach Niele Ivey’s squad looked like the team everyone would have to go through. For a minute, it felt like the power dynamic had shifted.

Both Olivia Miles and Hannah take over games, whether by scoring or making crucial plays; Hannah averages 20.4 points per game and Miles, known for her versatility and basketball IQ, has been a key facilitator and scorer.

But UConn wasn’t about to let that loss define them. After their 73-55 beatdown of Georgetown, it was clear that the Huskies were back in control. Their defense? Impressive, to say the least. They completely locked down on Kelsey Ransom, holding her to just 9 points. That’s no easy task, especially when she’s one of Georgetown’s go-to players. UConn made a statement, showing they’re ready to bounce back and reclaim their spot at the top.

Georgetown might’ve shot better than anyone anticipated, but UConn stayed locked into their game plan. When it mattered most, their defense kicked into gear. Right in the second half? it was a straight-up masterclass in closing out a game. UConn didn’t let up—they made sure that when the game was on the line, they were the ones controlling the tempo and finishing strong. It was the kind of performance that says, “We’ve got this.”

This matchup wasn’t just about the past—it was a glimpse into the future of NCAA women’s hoops.

Azzi Fudd is still the heart and soul of UConn, proving from time to time why she’s considered one of the best in the game. Her chemistry with her teammates just keeps growing, and it’s clear that this connection is paying off, especially in clutch moments.

UConn’s depth and grit shone through even during their crucial moment when their key player was on the bench, Paige. But that surely not was a problem since, Azzi didn’t hesitate to give props to Jana, who grabbed some crucial rebounds, proving that UConn isn’t just about the stars—it’s a full-team effort.

UConn’s depth and resilience make them a team to watch as the season heats up. They’ve proven they can overcome challenges and still come out on top. If they keep stacking performances like this, it’s hard to imagine anyone stopping them. With the way they’re building the pace, the Huskies are starting to look like a team that could dominate come tournament time.