How to watch UConn/Xavier women's basketball; Pregame Info
The No. 1 UConn women’s basketball team (6-0) will travel to begin Big East Conference play against the Xavier Musketeers (4-2) in hopes of keeping its 9-game winning streak alive.
WHO: UConn Huskies vs. Xavier Musketeers
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Cintas Center OR Fox Sports
History:
Currently, the Huskies are favored to win as they have not conceded a match to Xavier in over 25 years. The last time the two programs faced off was last season on Jan. 8, when Connecticut dropped a 54-point deficit at the People’s Bank Arena. For the twenty-second time in program history, UConn held Xavier to just under 30 points.
History could repeat itself, as the leader, Paige Bueckers, did not take the court for the reigning National Champions. In the team’s 81-27 victory, Azzi Fudd paved the way with 23 points, two rebounds and an assist. Within 20 minutes, the guard knocked down six of 9 (66.7%) field goals and buried three of five (60%) tries from deep.
With the help of Sarah Strong’s dominating two-way play and Allie Ziebell, the squad managed to secure the win. Strong ended the day with 15 points, seven boards and an assist. From the paint, the forward notched six of seven (85.7%) buckets and cashed in one of three (33.3%) attempts from downtown.
As for Ziebell, the sophomore broke out off the bench with a total of 17 points. Within 18 minutes, the guard sniped five of 9 (55.6%) shots from long range and went one-for-one from within the arc.
Defensively, the Huskies converted 42 points on 32 turnovers, which is something the team has thrived on all year.
Scouting the Musketeers:
On Sunday, Xavier comes into the matchup with a 64-57 victory over the Akron Zips (0-6). Mackenzie Givens and Mariyah Noel took charge, as they collectively scored 40 of the team’s 64 points.
When it comes to Noel, locking her down is a must, as she has contributed at least 10 points per meeting. In four of the program’s six games, the Ole Miss Rebels transfer has registered 20 points.
Versus Akron, the junior accumulated 19 points, 9 rebounds but turned the ball over seven times. The guard thrived from the field, making six of 9 (66.7%) shots, but did not challenge the three-point line after missing her only attempt. As for the free-throw line, the Zips allowed her to visit the line 9 times, resulting in seven free points.
As for Givens, the forward averages the second-most points per clash (11.5) for Xavier and has dropped 20 points in back-to-back battles. This could keep Connecticut on its toes if the sophomore stays hot.
Scouting the Huskies:
If this becomes a blowout game contest for UConn, it should come as no surprise to see stars like Fudd and Strong play fewer minutes. This will give the bench much-needed reps.
In the Huskies’ pair of wins last weekend in the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase, there was not much production from the bench. Outside of Blanca Quiñonez and Ziebell, the rest of the off-the-bench squad combined for 9 points between the Michigan Wolverines and the Utah Utes matchups.
With that being said, if Connecticut can separate itself from Xavier quickly, then the Huskies should come out on top.
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