Sarah Strong and Co. came into the rivalry game against Notre Dame with one thing on their minds: revenge. After suffering a heartbreaking loss to the Fighting Irish in their previous matchup, the Huskies were determined to come out on top this time around. And with the help of star players Paige Bueckers and Maya Moore, they did just that.
The game started off with both teams trading baskets, but it was clear from the start that UConn was playing with a fire in their hearts. They were determined to make a statement and show Notre Dame that they were not to be underestimated. Bueckers, who has been a standout player all season, led the charge for the Huskies with her incredible ball-handling skills and sharp shooting. Moore, a UConn legend herself, provided a veteran presence on the court and made some crucial plays that helped her team gain the upper hand.
But it wasn’t just the star players who shined in this game. The entire UConn team played with a level of intensity and determination that was unmatched. They were relentless on defense, forcing turnovers and making it difficult for Notre Dame to get into their offensive rhythm. On the offensive end, they moved the ball with precision and found open shots, making it difficult for the Fighting Irish to keep up.
As the game progressed, it became clear that UConn was not going to let this one slip away. They maintained their lead throughout the second half, never allowing Notre Dame to get within striking distance. And when the final buzzer sounded, the Huskies had secured a 79-68 victory, their first double-digit win against the Fighting Irish since 2013.
This win was not only significant because it ended UConn’s three-game losing streak against Notre Dame, but also because it marked a historic moment for the program. With this win, Sarah Strong became just the third player in UConn history to join the elite company of Paige Bueckers and Maya Moore. These three players now hold the record for the most wins against Notre Dame in program history, a testament to their incredible talent and determination.
After the game, Strong spoke about the importance of this win and what it meant to her and her team. She said, “We came into this game with a chip on our shoulder. We knew we had to come out and play our hearts out to get this win. And we did just that. It’s an amazing feeling to be mentioned alongside players like Paige and Maya, but this win is about so much more than just me. It’s about our entire team and the hard work we put in every day.”
This win not only solidified UConn’s dominance in their rivalry with Notre Dame, but it also served as a reminder of the incredible legacy that the program has built over the years. The Huskies have consistently been one of the top teams in the country, and this win only adds to their impressive resume.
As the season continues, UConn will look to build on this momentum and continue their winning ways. With players like Bueckers, Moore, and Strong leading the charge, there’s no telling how far this team can go. But one thing is for sure, they will continue to play with the same determination and heart that they showed in their historic win against Notre Dame. And that is what makes them a force to be reckoned with.