STORRS, CT — The UConn women’s basketball team ended its three-game losing streak against Notre Dame in decisive fashion on Monday at Gampel Pavilion.
The Huskies, which last victory vs. the Fighting Irish came on Dec. 5, 2021, dominated the Hannah Hidalgo & Co., 85-47, to improve to 19-0 this season. UConn has won 35 straight dating back to last season.
Sarah Strong had her sixth double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Azzi Fudd added 15 points and KK Arnold 12 points and five assists. The Huskies had 19 fast-break points, compared to 2 by Notre Dame.
The Irish (12-6) struggled from the jump, with more than six minutes expiring in the game before their first field goal. Notre Dame was severely undermanned in the front court, outrebounded 39-24 and outscored in the paint 44-24.
Hannah Hidalgo led the Irish with 16 points. Cassandre Proper, who had averaged 19 points the past 10 games, was held to 12.
Third quarter: UConn 59, Notre Dame 35
The Huskies outscored the Irish by 17 in the third quarter and briefly held a 30-point lead. UConn has 14 points off turnovers and is outrebounding Notre Dame 31-18.
Sarah Strong has her sixth double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Coach Geno Auriemma has played only seven against the Irish, making you wonder if he will shorten his bench come tournament time.
UConn takes over
The Huskies are on an 18-2 run. Sarah Strong has 14 points, Azzi Fudd 11, KK Arnold 9 and Ashlyn Shade 8.
Hannah Hidalgo has not scored in the second half for Notre Dame.
Huskies stretch the lead to 17
UConn has outscored Notre Dame 10-2 to open the third quarter. Ashlyn Shade and KK Arnold each had a 3-pointer.
Second quarter: UConn 32, Notre Dame 23
The teams each scored 16 points in the second quarter. Hannah Hidalgo got it going with 10 points for the Irish.
Sarah Strong had 10 points, eight rebounds, two steals, two assists and two blocks to lead the Huskies. Azzi Fudd added seven points.
The Irish have six steals but have only two points off turnovers compared to nine from UConn.
Sarah Strong reaches 1,000 points
The sophomore sensation made it to the milestone in 59 games. She has 10 points.
Maya Moore is the all-time career leader for the Huskies with 3,036 points. Breanna Stewart is a distant second with 2,676 points.
First quarter: UConn 16, Notre Dame 7
The Irish shot 3 for 14 from the field in the first quarter. Cassandre Prosper made a 4-foot hook shot with a little over four minutes to go for Notre Dame’s first field goal.
In the meantime, the Huskies have dominated in the paint and outscored the Irish 14-4.
Azzi Fudd stays perfect
Azzi Fudd completed a 3-point play to put UConn up 11-1. She is a perfect 31-for-31 from the free throw line this season.
Irish score
At 6:07 of the first quarter, Notre Dame scores its first point. Malaya Cowles hit the first of two free throws. The Irish are 0-for-5 from the field.
Timeout Notre Dame
Less than 3 minutes into the contest, UConn is up 8-0 and the Irish have been unable to score. Notre Dame Niele Ivey called a quick timeout to regroup.
Serah Williams has four points for UConn.
We are underway in Storrs
UConn is up 4-0 on baskets by Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd.
What time is UConn vs. Notre Dame?
The UConn Huskies take on former Big East rival Notre Dame on Monday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. ET at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut.
UConn vs. Notre Dame: TV, streaming
Date: Monday, Jan. 19
Time: 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT)
Location: Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, Connecticut)
TV: Fox
Stream: Fubo