Sarah Strong’s freshman season has already been one for the ages, and it’s only just beginning. With each passing game, she continues to prove why she was the No. 1-ranked recruit in the Class of 2024
Her combination of size, skill, and defensive tenacity makes her a future superstar. As UConn marches forward in the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on Strong to see if she can maintain this elite level of play.
One thing is for certain: Sarah Strong has arrived, and she’s here to stay.
UConn’s 23rd Big East Tournament title was a testament to their defensive discipline, rebounding dominance, and balanced offensive execution.
By holding Creighton to 35.8% shooting, controlling the boards, and limiting three-point opportunities, the Huskies showcased why they remain one of the most formidable teams in women’s college basketball.
As Geno Auriemma’s squad moves forward into the NCAA Tournament, they will carry the momentum of this decisive victory with them. With a combination of elite coaching, defensive tenacity, and offensive firepower, UConn has once again proven that they are a team to watch on the road to the national championship.
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Sarah Strong Shines as UConn Dominates Creighton in Big East Tournament Final
A Stellar Freshman Season Continues
Sarah Strong has been a revelation in her freshman season with the UConn Huskies.1
On Monday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, she once again showcased her all-around brilliance, recording her third straight double-double to propel UConn to a dominant 70-50 victory over the Creighton Bluejays in the Big East Tournament final.
The 6-foot-2 forward stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, six steals, and three blocks, providing valuable support for UConn’s stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.
While her offensive contributions were significant, it was Strong’s defensive tenacity that helped UConn pull away early and control the game throughout.
Setting the Tone Early
From the opening tip, Strong imposed her will on the game. She had an explosive first quarter, piling up five points, two rebounds, one assist, and three steals to spark UConn’s early surge.
Her active hands on defense disrupted Creighton’s offensive flow, leading to a series of fast-break opportunities for the Huskies.
During a pivotal stretch, Strong’s three steals helped UConn generate an 11-0 run, extending their lead to 27-11 by the end of the first quarter.
Her defensive intensity set the tone for the rest of the contest, as the Huskies never allowed Creighton to mount a serious comeback.
Sarah Strong: Maintaining Control Before Halftime
As the game progressed, Strong continued to contribute in multiple ways.2
In the second quarter, she added two points, two rebounds, one steal, and a block while maintaining a strong defensive presence.
By halftime, UConn had built a comfortable 40-22 lead, with Strong already filling up the stat sheet:
- Points: 7
- Rebounds: 4
- Assists: 1
- Steals: 4
- Blocks: 1
Her versatility and ability to impact the game without forcing shots allowed UConn to remain efficient on both ends of the floor.
A Dominant Third Quarter
Coming out of the break, Strong continued her stellar play in the third quarter. She added six more points, two rebounds, one assist, and two steals while maintaining her defensive energy.
Creighton attempted to cut into the deficit, but every time they found a rhythm, Strong made a key defensive stop or grabbed an important rebound to halt their momentum. Her ability to read passing lanes and anticipate plays kept the Bluejays on their heels.
Finishing Strong in the Fourth
With the game well in hand, Strong shifted her focus to defense and rebounding in the final quarter. She pulled down five rebounds and recorded two blocks while adding an assist on a clutch three-pointer by Kaitlyn Chen at the 2:35 mark.
Her presence in the paint forced Creighton into tough, contested shots, and UConn’s defense held firm to seal the victory. By the end of the game, Strong had once again proven why she is one of the most exciting young players in college basketball.
A Postseason Star is Born
This game marked Strong’s third consecutive double-double in the postseason, further cementing her status as a rising star. Over this three-game stretch, she has averaged:
- 14.3 points
- 13.7 rebounds
- 3.3 assists
- 3.3 steals
- 2.7 blocks
Her ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories has made her an indispensable part of UConn’s game plan, and her chemistry with Bueckers and Fudd continues to improve with each game.
Sarah Strong: Defensive Force with a High Basketball IQ
What sets Strong apart from many other freshmen is her defensive awareness. At just 18 years old, she already plays with the instincts and discipline of a veteran.3
Her six steals against Creighton were a testament to her ability to anticipate passes and disrupt offensive sets.
Meanwhile, her three blocks showed her capability as a rim protector, despite not being the tallest player on the court.
Strong’s defensive prowess has been a key reason why UConn has dominated in the postseason. Her versatility allows her to guard multiple positions, making her an invaluable asset for head coach Geno Auriemma.
Offensive Efficiency and Unselfish Play
While her defensive contributions were critical, Strong’s offensive efficiency was equally impressive. She didn’t force shots, instead taking what the defense gave her.
She shot a solid percentage from the field and made smart decisions with the ball, as evidenced by her four assists.
Her passing ability is another underrated aspect of her game. Whether finding cutters in the lane or kicking out to open shooters, Strong’s court vision makes her a perfect complement to UConn’s offense.
A Perfect Fit for UConn’s System
Strong’s well-rounded skill set fits seamlessly into UConn’s system. Her ability to score, defend, rebound, and facilitate makes her the ideal modern forward. She thrives in transition, moves well without the ball, and can switch defensively onto both guards and forwards.
With Bueckers and Fudd leading the way, Strong has been able to play freely without the pressure of being the go-to scorer. This has allowed her to develop her game naturally, and as the season progresses, she continues to elevate her performance.
With the Big East Tournament title secured, UConn now shifts its focus to the NCAA Tournament. As one of the favorites to win it all, the Huskies will look to carry this momentum into March Madness.
If Strong continues her stellar play, UConn will be a nightmare matchup for any team in the bracket. Her presence in the frontcourt provides balance to an already loaded backcourt, making the Huskies one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
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Sarah Strong: Huskies vs Bluejays Game Recap
UConn Stifles Creighton to Take 23rd Big East Tournament Title
The University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies delivered a defensive masterclass against the Creighton Bluejays, dominating the 2025 Big East Tournament final with a 20-point victory.
The Huskies’ suffocating defense limited Creighton’s offense to just 35.8% shooting from the field, securing their 23rd conference tournament championship and further cementing their legacy in women’s college basketball.
From the opening tip, UConn set the tone with relentless defensive pressure. The Huskies’ ability to close out on shooters and contest every shot forced Creighton into an inefficient offensive performance.
The Bluejays made just 6-of-23 from beyond the arc and 19-of-53 overall, struggling to find any offensive rhythm.
UConn’s perimeter defense was especially effective in neutralizing Creighton’s usual strengths. The Bluejays, known for their three-point shooting, found little space to operate, forcing rushed attempts and contested shots. Their 26.1% shooting from deep was a testament to UConn’s disciplined defensive execution.
Huskies Dominate on the Boards
One of the biggest factors in UConn’s victory was their control of the rebounding battle. The Huskies outrebounded Creighton 37-27, consistently limiting second-chance opportunities for the Bluejays.
Senior forward Aaliyah Edwards led the charge on the glass, pulling down key rebounds that denied Creighton any momentum.
UConn’s ability to secure defensive rebounds prevented the Bluejays from capitalizing on any missed shots, while their offensive rebounding created extra scoring chances.
Steals and Blocks Fuel UConn’s Defensive Prowess
The Huskies’ defensive intensity wasn’t just evident in contested shots—it extended to forcing turnovers as well.
UConn recorded 13 steals compared to Creighton’s 10, disrupting passing lanes and converting turnovers into fast-break points.
Additionally, UConn’s rim protection was a difference-maker. The Huskies swatted away five Creighton shot attempts, while the Bluejays failed to record a single block.
This inside presence forced Creighton’s players to alter their shots, leading to several misses in the paint.
While defense was the foundation of their victory, UConn also executed efficiently on the offensive end. The Huskies shot 44.4% from the field and 37.5% from three, finding high-percentage shots while maintaining a strong pace.
Star guard Paige Bueckers orchestrated the offense beautifully, distributing the ball and picking her moments to score. Her ability to break down the defense allowed UConn to generate open looks, leading to efficient scoring from both inside and outside the arc.
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Sarah Strong: Paint Domination and Smart Shot Selection
UConn also held a significant advantage in points in the paint, outscoring Creighton 28-22 in that area.
The Huskies’ ability to get to the rim consistently kept the Bluejays’ defense on its heels.
Unlike Creighton, which relied heavily on three-point shooting, UConn focused on high-percentage shots, ensuring they maximized each possession.
The Huskies’ patience and execution in half-court sets played a crucial role in building their lead and maintaining control throughout the game.
Geno Auriemma Adds Another Trophy to His Collection
With this victory, legendary head coach Geno Auriemma added yet another accolade to his already historic career. The 2025 Big East Tournament championship marked his 30th conference tournament title in his 40-year tenure at UConn.
Auriemma’s ability to adapt and prepare his team for every challenge remains unparalleled. His defensive game plan against Creighton was executed to perfection, and his players responded with a disciplined, high-energy performance.
As the Huskies continue their march into March Madness, Auriemma’s experience and leadership will be invaluable in their pursuit of a national championship.
Creighton’s Struggles: A Night to Forget
- On the other side, Creighton had one of their toughest outings of the season. Their shooting struggles, inability to control the boards, and defensive lapses all contributed to their downfall.
- Despite entering the game with high hopes, the Bluejays simply couldn’t match UConn’s intensity.
- Star players, who had been key to Creighton’s success throughout the tournament, were effectively neutralized by the Huskies’ defensive schemes.
- Creighton will now shift its focus to the NCAA Tournament, hoping to regroup and learn from this experience as they prepare for their next challenge.
- With the Big East title secured, UConn now turns its attention to Selection Sunday, which will take place at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
- The Huskies are expected to earn a high seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, giving them a favorable path to another deep tournament run.
- Their dominant performance in the Big East Tournament has solidified their status as one of the top teams in the nation.
- Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting their official seeding and first-round opponent, as UConn looks to continue its championship pursuit in the coming weeks.
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