For the No. 7 UConn Huskies, their final game of 2024 wasn’t just about closing the year-it was about redemption. After suffering a gut-wrenching 72-70 home loss to then-No. 7 USC on December 21, the Huskies returned to the court with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by their ever-passionate fanbase. The rallying cry, “Play with a chip on your shoulder,” resonated deeply, igniting the team’s determination as they cruised to a 67-41 victory over Providence.
The message wasn’t lost on UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Both players embraced the challenge, with Bueckers leading the charge. She poured in a game-high 23 points, adding four rebounds, four assists, and two steals to her stat line. Fudd, alongside rising star Sarah Strong, ensured the Huskies’ dominance never wavered, converting fan passion into on-court execution.
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“It’s hard to sit with a loss like that over the holidays,”Bueckers admitted postgame.“You’ve got a lot of time to think, watch film, and figure out what you need to improve.” For Bueckers, the answer was clear: attack mode. Her aggressive approach was evident from the opening tip, as she confidently sought out scoring opportunities while maintaining her role as the team’s offensive anchor.
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The Huskies’ game plan revolved around defensive intensity, which paid dividends. UConn forced Providence into numerous mistakes, scoring a staggering 40 points off turnovers. Shooting 41.3% from the field and a reliable 72.7% from the free-throw line, the Huskies’ well-rounded performance left little room for doubt about their resolve.
Paige Bueckers’ mindset shift sparks UConn’s fiery year-end performance
For Bueckers, the holiday break served as a turning point. “I’m just trying to take open shots, not overthink things, and be more assertive,”she said. That shift in mentality was contagious, energizing the Huskies and creating opportunities for her teammates. “When we’re all aggressive, it becomes infectious,” she added.
Azzi Fudd echoed the sentiment, praising the collective effort. “This game was about more than just bouncing back-it was about proving to ourselves what we’re capable of,” Fudd said.
As the final buzzer sounded, the message from UConn fans had been fully embraced. The Huskies played with fire and focus, ending the year on a high note. For Bueckers and Fudd, it was a performance that not only celebrated the team’s resilience but also set the tone for the challenges to come.
The Huskies’ faithful, always vocal and unwavering, can rest assured-this team knows how to play with a chip on its shoulder.