NFL
By: Ty Reeves
After defeating Xavier 78-41, the UConn Women’s Basketball team are traveling to the west coast to take on the Oregon Ducks who are coming off a win against Pac-12 rivals Arizona. UConn looks to extend their winning streak to four games while the Ducks look to take down consecutive top 25 opponents.
The Huskies picked up another win in BIG EAST play to stay perfect at the top of the conference heading into a crucial mid-season match-up with the Ducks. The two powerhouse programs are squaring off for the first time in almost two years. The last time these two programs met, Oregon walked into Gampel Pavilion and dealt UConn their worst home loss defeating the Huskies 74-56. This game will serve as a revenge tour for UConn as they’re on a mission not to just beat Oregon, but that they are still national title contenders without Paige Bueckers.
For the Ducks, they as well are trying to gather themselves as we get closer to March. Oregon, who was once ranked the No. 9 team in the nation, has suffered their fair share of losses while also going through a Covid-19 pause. Similar to the Huskies they have suffered a number of injuries that have had a major impact on their team. Big-time players Nyara Sabally and Endyia Rogers have played less than six games for the Ducks, leaving the likes of Sydney Parrish and Maddie Scherr to pick up the slack.
About last night… #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/juF3Jg5Wvg
— Oregon Women’s Basketball (@OregonWBB) January 16, 2022
UConn has been missing Bueckers since December 5th when she suffered a knee injury in the closing minutes of the game against Notre Dame. Freshman guard Azzi Fudd has also missed an extended period of time while forward Aubrey Griffin had season-ending back surgery this past week. Apart from those injuries, the Huskies are at full strength after Nike Muhl suited up two games ago.
Since Bueckers injury, the Huskies have gone through a learning curve, figuring out how they would play without the best player in the country. After a bumpy start, dropping games against Louisville, and unranked Georgia Tech, the Huskies have been playing their best basketball of the season.
In the absence of Bueckers, Seniors Christyn Williams and Olivia Nelson-Ododa have elevated their level of play. The Huskies have also received a huge boost from Freshman Caroline Ducharme who has been UConn’s most productive player on offense. Over the last five games, Ducharme has averaged 18.6 PTS while shooting 46% from the field. Exactly what the Huskies need after losing Bueckers who averaged almost 22 PPG.
Caroline Ducharme's up to 20 points!
To go with 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. pic.twitter.com/Ct5kRziZXB
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) January 15, 2022
This game will also be a homecoming for UConn guard Evina Westbrook who hails from Salem, Oregon. The Redshirt Senior will look to put on a show in front of her home crowd as she enters the game averaging 9.3 PPG for the Huskies this year.
For both programs, a win will serve as a confidence booster but also as an important tick when it comes to seeding for March. The UConn Huskies will face off against the Oregon Ducks at 5 p.m. Est from Matthew Knight Arena in Oregon.
