That streak is on the line on Thursday when the No. 6 Huskies host one of their former standout teams. Carla Velvet and her Princeton Corps (7 p.m., Gumpel Pavilion).
And when playing against the Tigers, UConn may only have eight players available.
“We’re used to this,” junior point guard Nika Muhl said Tuesday afternoon inside the Gumpel Pavilion. We know how to play, but we just pick ourselves up and focus on our game…
“It’s no longer a surprise to us.”
The Huskies’ star sophomore and currently the team’s best player, Agie Fudd, injured her right knee in the first quarter. UConn’s game at Notre Dame last SundayIn the first quarter, Aaliyah Edwards fell on Fudd’s right leg after being fouled and brought down by Ireland’s KK Bransford.
Fudd didn’t play at all in the second half.An MRI on Monday confirmed that she was next 3-6 weeks because of a knee injury. UConn did not specify the type of injury.
Chris Daly, associate head coach at UConn, said, “I think all the experiences we had last year have made this year easier, but it’s not easy to trade 20 points in two days and try to figure it out. “But as usual, no one feels sorry for us.”
Fudd Joins UConn’s Star Point Guard Paige Bookers, freshman Ice Brady, and freshman forward Dorka Juhas are on the bench, all four recovering from injuries. Bookers (ACL) and Brady (patella) will miss the entire season.
Daley said Tuesday before the team’s practice that “game time” will likely be decided on Thursday depending on how he feels after practice. After that, the Hungarian has missed the last five matches. She splinted her thumb last Friday and resumed her basketball training.
“She looks good,” Daley said. “She’s running, but I don’t know her comfort level. I also don’t know what the pain is… I don’t know if I’m going to see an aggressive Dorka. She’s still a little I’m used to it.It’s got a splint, so there’s no more damage.”
The Huskies are coming out of their first loss of the year (UConn’s loss at Notre Dame was Worst rivalry since 2013) and now another unusual injury has been added to the over a year and a half long carousel injury.
But it’s moments like this that remind players to stay focused. Now that Fudd is on the bench, everyone has to step up. Not just for advanced students and beginners. More people need to contribute on offense (Fad is averaging a team-best 20.0 per game) and defense.
“I don’t think I can magically get another 30 points for someone else,” Mule said.
Sophomore guard Caroline Ducharm is likely to be a starting lineup for Fudd. Ducharme was his UConn biggest bright spot last season. It was her last-second shot on DePaul that saved her UConn’s then-conference winning streak. But she didn’t escape the season unscathed either.
Ducharme missed four games last year with a head injury. At the end of the season, she underwent surgery to repair her hip labrum, which had been plagued even before she arrived at Storrs.Her sophomore campaign was also canceled due to a stiff neck at the exhibition and season. I missed the season opener, so I was late.
Although his playing time has increased since returning from a neck injury on November 14, Ducharme’s late start to the season has made him look nothing like last year’s player.
Another player who could see her minutes increase is sophomore Amari DeBerry.
DeBerry has appeared in five of UConn’s seven games this season, and often doesn’t check in until after the third quarter. She averaged 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in her 6.2 minutes per game.
“Coach brought me here for a reason,” she said Tuesday. I’m stepping up. I’m ready to help with anything.”
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma He praised Debery’s growth after the Final Four and her commitment to improving herself.
“I definitely feel that my body has changed a lot from last year to this year,” DeBerry said. “Like, I feel a lot stronger.”
Daley said he has noticed this growth in DeBerry. He can do it now, but Daley wants to do even better.
“The biggest growth for Amari is that she’s starting to understand the pace and how much she has to work to get better at this level,” said Daly. To her credit, she was ready, and when her number was called, she gave us a good time.”
UConn will use Thursday’s game not just to improve from their loss at Notre Dame, but also as a test to see how they perform without Fudd before facing No. 20 Maryland on Sunday. use.
“The coach said not many teams do this and it just makes us stronger.” I know that whatever happens, we have each other’s backs.For those who are injured, they are working hard to recover and for the people.They are staying healthy. And I’m sure I’m doing everything I can to help the team.”
auriema is back
Auriema returned from Philadelphia and arrived at Gamper early in Wednesday’s practice. Auriemma was away to deal with “family matters”.
Daly handled the availability of media prior to practice.
Maggie.Vanoni@hearstmediact.com @maggie_vanoni
