STORRS — For the first time since 2014, four Big East women’s basketball teams have made it into the AP’s Top 25 poll.
With three of the nation’s top five scorers coming from their conferences, the Big East has eight wins over 11-member ranked opponents, all leading the nation within the first month of the season. doing.
in the meantime UConn Women’s Basketball have held a strong position in the Big East standings since rejoining the conference three years ago, but the gap between members is closing and they are determined to win the Big East regular season and tournament crowns. is becoming more difficult.
“For 30 years in Connecticut, every team that comes here, or every team we play, is the conference game, and it’s the game they (players) look forward to,” said UConn coach. Geno Auriemma said before practice on Thursday. “… our goal is always to win the conference championship first and foremost. And tomorrow is the first step in that direction.”
after winning last week Phil Knight Legacy tournament in Portland, The No. 3 Huskies (5-0) Open Conference will face Providence (6-2) at 7pm on Friday at the Gampel Pavilion.
No. 25 Villanova and No. 24 Marquette will also play their first Big East game of the year on Friday (the Wildcats will host No. 13 Creighton, while Marquette will play Georgetown).
“I think the Big East is often overlooked,” said sophomore guard Caroline Ducharm. “Especially with so many teams making the list this year, I think they’re gaining recognition that they feel the Big East deserves it.”
Auriemma added: “I think there’s a competitiveness between coaches and players. So I think it’s only going to get better and better.”
UConn has won both the Big East regular season and tournament titles in the last two years since returning to the Big East for the 2020-21 season.
However, the Huskies faced their biggest challenge in the conference since rejoining last season. First, DePaul took his UConn to the telegraph network in late January and Husky was able to escape unscathed. ducharme last second shotHowever, Villanova gave UConn its first conference loss since the 2013 conference. Beat the Huskies 72-69 at the XL Center on February 9th.
The Huskies played seven years in the American Conference after leaving the Old Big East in 2013.
“Well, there’s no way Villanova can beat Villanova, right?” Really? Why? See, Clayton’s Clayton, it’s not easy,’ said Auriema. “…and every game I’ve played with Marquette since I got back in the league has been a slugfest. And I didn’t mention… what happens with some of the other teams I know.Be.”
The Friars have been members of the Big East since 1982. UConn is his 43-21 against Providence, with his last loss on March 3, 1993 (87-73). Last year, UConn swept Providence on road (69-61 on January 30) and home (88-31 on February 27).
As with last year’s Rhode Island game, UConn has neither. Paige Bookers Or Dorka Juhas. Buckers missed the away game against Providence last season with a knee injury, while Juhaas missed with a leg injury.
Buekers has missed the entire 2022-23 season after tearing his ACL in the summer. Juhas will miss four games in a row for a broken thumb.
On Thursday, Auriemma said the forward will have a thumb splint on Friday and won’t be playing against the Friars.
Juhász participated in contactless training during practice on Thursday during the media viewing portion.
“She’s been training more,” Auriemma said. “She’s touching the ball more and getting more involved in basketball as well as conditioning.”
Maggie.Vanoni@hearstmediact.com @maggie_vanoni
