UConn advances to 25th Final Four with win over Notre Dame
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Top-seeded UConn secured its 25th Final Four appearance with a 70-62 Elite Eight victory over sixth-seeded Notre Dame, marking their 17th Final Four trip in the last 18 years.
- Freshman Blanca Quiñonez led UConn with 20 points, including 14 in the first half, stepping up when All-Americans Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong had slow starts.
- Notre Dame's defense focused on physicality, limiting UConn’s stars early, but the Fighting Irish struggled offensively beyond star guard Hannah Hidalgo, who scored 22 points and 11 rebounds.
- UConn’s depth was crucial, with bench players like Kayleigh Heckel providing key defensive support, especially on Hidalgo, helping the Huskies maintain control throughout the game.
- UConn will face the winner of South Carolina vs. TCU in the Final Four, with coach Geno Auriemma praising the team’s resilience despite recent slow offensive starts.
