UConn Women’s Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma Makes Statement After Victory Over North Carolina
Storrs, CT — Following a dominant 87-68 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels on Sunday afternoon, UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma took to the podium for his post-game press conference, offering both praise for his team’s performance and insight into what still lies ahead in a season full of promise.
The Huskies (7-1) bounced back after a tough early-season loss, showcasing their depth, offensive firepower, and defensive tenacity against a tough North Carolina squad. Azzi Fudd led the way for UConn, scoring a game-high 24 points, while Aaliyah Edwards dominated in the post with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The victory marks UConn’s second straight win over a ranked opponent, as they continue to build momentum heading into conference play.
However, for Auriemma, the win was about more than just the scoreline — it was about growth, leadership, and team chemistry as the season progresses.
Auriemma Reflects on Team’s Progress
“I thought we played really well tonight, especially given how much we’ve had to adjust in the last few weeks,” Auriemma said. “North Carolina is a great team, they’re physical, they’re athletic, and they can score in bunches. So for us to come out and execute the way we did — especially defensively in the second half — was really encouraging.”
The Huskies struggled in the opening minutes of the game, allowing the Tar Heels to keep pace and even lead for a short time early in the second quarter. But once UConn found their rhythm, they took control, going on a 20-4 run to close out the first half. The defensive intensity picked up after halftime, with UConn forcing 18 turnovers, many of them coming off fast breaks that fueled their offense.
For Auriemma, the victory was a reminder of just how important balance is for this year’s team. While players like Fudd and Edwards have been standouts, Auriemma emphasized the need for contributions from everyone on the roster.
“Look, Azzi and Aaliyah are fantastic players, and we know what they bring to the table, but this team is more than just two players,” Auriemma explained. “I think tonight we saw glimpses of how good we can be when we’re sharing the ball and working together as a unit. Everyone contributed. Caroline Ducharme hit some big shots, Nika Mühl was everywhere on the defensive end, and Dorka Juhász was solid all-around. It was a team win tonight, and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Adapting to New Roles
The 2024-25 season has been a transition for UConn, as several key players — including the dynamic Paige Bueckers — are sidelined due to injury. But Auriemma was quick to point out that this adversity has created an opportunity for others to step up. While Bueckers’ absence has certainly been felt, the team’s resilience and ability to adapt have been a silver lining.
“A lot of people thought we’d be in trouble without Paige, but the reality is we’ve had to adjust, and players are starting to grow into their roles. I think Nika Mühl is doing a great job of running our offense and creating opportunities for others, and we’re seeing players like Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards becoming more comfortable being focal points,” Auriemma said. “This is what we needed to see: people stepping up in their roles. We’ve got a long way to go, but that’s the beauty of basketball — it’s a process.”
Despite the absence of their star point guard, UConn’s offensive system has remained potent. The team has relied on strong ball movement, transition offense, and a collective scoring effort to put up big numbers. Auriemma has been particularly pleased with the defensive growth of players like Mühl, whose leadership at the point guard position has been invaluable, and Caroline Ducharme, whose scoring and defensive effort has added a spark to the team.
Looking Ahead
While Auriemma acknowledged the importance of the win, he made it clear that this is only the beginning for his team. With a challenging non-conference schedule and a loaded Big East slate ahead, the Huskies know that the path to another championship will require continued improvement.
“Games like tonight are great for our confidence, but we’re still a work in progress,” Auriemma said. “We’re playing some of the best teams in the country this season, and if we’re going to contend for a title, we’ve got to continue to evolve. I’m happy with what I saw today, but we have a lot of work to do.”
Auriemma also emphasized that the key to UConn’s long-term success will be developing a deep, cohesive team that can thrive without relying too heavily on any one player.
“We’ve got a lot of talent on this roster, but talent alone isn’t enough,” Auriemma explained. “We need everyone to buy in, to trust each other, and to work together to make this a championship-caliber team. That’s the challenge ahead.”
Takeaways from the Game
For UConn fans, the victory over North Carolina provided a promising glimpse of what the season could hold. The Huskies’ offense looked fluid, with multiple players stepping up and making significant contributions. The defensive adjustments made at halftime also proved critical, as UConn shut down North Carolina’s offensive flow after the break.
With their sights set on continued improvement, Auriemma’s squad will face tough tests in the coming weeks, including high-profile matchups in both conference and non-conference play. But for now, the coach remains focused on the big picture.
“We’re heading in the right direction,” Auriemma said. “But there’s a lot more to come. We’re building something special here, and the goal is always to be playing our best basketball in March.”
With Auriemma at the helm and a talented roster that continues to grow, it’s clear that UConn’s path to a deep tournament run is far from over.
