Azzi Fudd Stats Last Night: How did UConn star fare vs Ole Miss? (Nov 27)

Senior guard Azzi Fudd delivered a crucial spark off the bench as No. 2 UConn secured a commanding victory to claim the 2024 Baha Mar Hoops Women’s Championship, defeating No. 18 Ole Miss 73-60 in Wednesday night’s final.

Fudd contributed 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block in 28 minutes, making her the second-highest scorer of the game. Her 18 points mark a personal best since Mar. 20, 2023, earning her a spot on the all-tournament team. This performance stands out as the best of the three games she’s played, showcasing her sharp form as she recovered from a torn ACL injury.

Although Fudd struggled in earlier games against Oregon State and Fairleigh Dickinson, where she scored just three and four points respectively, she took full advantage of the championship final to shine.

The Huskies (6-0), who have won all their games by double digits, built a 37-18 halftime lead. However, Ole Miss narrowed the gap to 52-46 by the end of the third quarter. Early in the fourth, Fudd scored five quick points to help UConn regain control.

Fudd took charge when the Huskies needed to stop the Rebels’ momentum in the second half. She nailed a critical 3-pointer to halt a run by Ole Miss and followed up with a jumper to stretch the lead back to eight. Scoring 12 of her 18 points in the second half, she helped steady the Huskies after their 21-point lead faded during the third quarter.

"My body feels really great," Fudd said after the game. "I didn't feel bad after the first game, but I felt even better waking up this morning. I was worried I might be a little sore after playing more minutes, but I think maybe the Bahamas weather helped. I felt great at practice today, so I’m really excited about how things are progressing."

As Fudd’s shooting improves, UConn’s potential for success this season becomes even more promising, with her and star teammate Paige Bueckers leading the way.

UConn Keeps Its Perfect Record Intact

UConn overcame a second-half surge from Ole Miss, including a 15-0 run during the third quarter when the Huskies committed eight turnovers. Once UConn regained its footing, the team hit eight consecutive shots to reassert dominance.

Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd were instrumental in securing the title, while Sarah Strong added 10 points for the Huskies (6-0). For Ole Miss (4-2), KK Deans led with 17 points, followed by Kennedy Todd-Williams with 13, Starr Jacobs with 11, and Madison Scott with 10.

Despite committing a season-high 18 turnovers, UConn won the rebounding battle 37-30 and dominated the paint, outscoring Ole Miss 48-18.

With this victory, the Huskies extended their undefeated start to the season. They will return home to face Holy Cross on Tuesday, Dec. 3, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Gampel Pavilion.