Undefeated UConn Women’s Basketball Navigates Injuries, Eyes Second Half of Big East Slate
STORRS, Conn., January 28, 2026 – The University of Connecticut Huskies, the unanimous No. 1 team in the nation, enter a pivotal week with a perfect 21-0 record but a shortened bench. As they prepare to host Xavier Wednesday night, the Huskies will be without six players due to injury, testing the depth of the nation’s top program.
Injury Report Clouds Xavier Matchup
Head coach Geno Auriemma confirmed that the Huskies will have only nine available players for Wednesday’s Big East contest against Xavier (8 p.m. ET, Peacock). The sidelined players include key contributors Serah Williams (ankle) and impactful freshman Blanca Quiñonez (shoulder). The injury list, which also includes Caroline Ducharme, presents a significant challenge as UConn looks to extend its 37-game overall winning streak and its remarkable 58-game streak against Big East opponents.
Accolades and Dominant Performances
Despite the injury concerns, the Huskies continue to collect honors. This week, Morgan Arnold and Sarah Strong were named to the watch list for the Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year award. The program also swept the Big East’s weekly honors. On the court, the dominance continues. UConn routed Seton Hall 92-52 on January 24, fueled by a game-changing performance off the bench from Quiñonez. In their most recent outing, Sarah Strong scored 25 points and Azzi Fudd added 19 in what was noted as Fudd’s final collegiate appearance during an 83-42 victory over Georgetown.
Key Facts & Upcoming Schedule
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 21-0 (Unanimous AP No. 1) |
| Active Win Streak | 37 Games |
| Big East Win Streak | 58 Games (Regular Season & Tournament) |
| Next Game | vs. Xavier, Wed., Jan. 28, 8 PM ET (Peacock) |
| Key Absence | 6 players out (Incl. Serah Williams, Blanca Quiñonez) |
| Recent Honor | Aaliyah Edwards to be inducted into “Huskies of Honor” |
Coach Auriemma on the “Real Challenge” Ahead
With the first half of Big East play complete, Coach Geno Auriemma emphasized the difficulty of facing conference opponents for a second time. “Preparing for repeat Big East opponents is a real challenge,” Auriemma stated on January 27. “They’ve seen what you do, you’ve seen what they do, and it becomes a much more intricate game of adjustments.” The Huskies’ victory over Seton Hall was their first against a repeat opponent this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UConn ranked No. 1 in every metric?
No. While UConn is the unanimous No. 1 in the AP Top 25 Poll, one key NCAA Tournament evaluation metric does not have the Huskies in the top spot. This highlights the nuanced analytics used by the selection committee.
What is UConn’s NCAA Tournament history?
UConn has made the NCAA Tournament for 35 consecutive seasons. In the 2024 tournament, they were selected as a No. 3 seed. The 2026 tournament schedule has been released, with first-round games set for March 19-20.
How long has Geno Auriemma been coaching at UConn?
Geno Auriemma is in his 41st season as the head coach of the UConn Huskies. He is a nine-time AP Coach of the Year and has built one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history.