The Huskies Capture the Big East Tournament Crown for the 24th Time
March 9, 2026 –
The University of Connecticut dominated the Big East Women’s Tournament winning by an average of nearly 48 points per game. The Huskies won the tournament final with a 90 – 51 win over the Villanova Wildcats at the Mohegan Sun Arena. UConn sophomore Sarah Strong was named the Most Outstanding Player. The team remains undefeated at 34 – 0.
It was a matter of defense for the Huskies who limited the Wildcats to 27.3% shooting (18 of 66) and 7 of 37 from three-point land. In the first half the Nova shooting percentage was only 24%. Meanwhile Connecticut hit over 58% of theirs (20 of 24) in that opening twenty minutes. Their defense forced 15 turnovers, 10 in the first half. For the game the Huskies had an advantage of 21 – 2 in fast break points and 48 – 18 points in the paint. UConn made 52.3% of their shots sinking 34 of 65 field goal attempts.
“I think the big thing is that you learn to play against styles that involve a lot of player movement,” said UConn Coach Geno Auriemma. “A majority of the teams in our league, that’s how they play. Villanova didn’t have a really good shooting night tonight. It’s not that they didn’t get good shots, because they did. They didn’t just didn’t shoot the ball well, as well as they’re capable of shooting it.”
Villanova and Big East leading scorer Jasmine Bascoe was limited to 14 points. She was the only Wildcat to score in double figures. UConn played physical and had a size advantage and used it.
“Yeah, it’s tough. I would just say, I’m undersized to begin with, so it’s always tough,” said Bascoe. “And they’re a good defensive team and, it’s a chippy game, it’s chippier than normal, and we don’t always agree with some of the calls and stuff like that, but we just got to play through it.”
UConn got off to a fast start, something Villanova needed to avoid. But it happened as the Huskies took a 49 -23 into halftime; 23 – 11 after one and 26 – 12 in the second quarter. The Wildcats played the Huskies tough two weeks ago. The Huskies were better prepared.
“We can’t let get them get going.” Strong said. “They kind of did whatever they wanted offensively, defensively, so just try to play our defense, speed them up, and get them out of their rhythm.”
Huskies guard Azzi Fudd led all scorers with 19 points with Strong just behind at 18 points and took down 8 rebounds. Blanca Quinonez added 13 points. KK Arnold scored 10 points and handed out 7 assists. Jana El Alfy grabbed a game-high 9 rebounds.
Kennedy Henry led Villanova in rebounds with 7 and assists at 3.
UConn won the battle of the boards 49 – 34.
Villanova will await their fate from the selection committee. The Wildcats have an impressive resume and should expect a bid.
“We put ourselves in a great position to be ready for Big East play by beating JMU, we found out they won their tournament today, beat them at their place, beat West Virginia, won last night the Big-12,” Villanova Coach Denise Dillon said. “We did what we needed to do to build that resumé, thought we took care of business in the Big East as well. You look at our record with, what are we, 25-7? Three of those losses coming to the No. 1 team in the nation. I’m really proud of this group and their growth and willingness to just get better and continue to battle. We’re excited for next Sunday to see where we’re being sent, and we’re going to get better this week to be prepared for that.”
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: glenn@phillycollegesports.com
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