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NCAAW: UConn Huskies show off talent of their less-heralded players

NCAAW: UConn Huskies show off talent of their less-heralded players

Here’s a look at how the notable teams outside the Power 5 have been doing:


The Huskies have dominated their last three contests and have done so without Azzi Fudd.

Imagine how good this team would be with Fudd and Bueckers or even just Fudd. Or even with Caroline Ducharme (concussion protocol) back. Ducharme missed all three games too and No. 4 Hoop Gurlz recruit Ayanna Patterson (concussion protocol) missed the first two before returning for the third. Ducharme is averaging 8.6 points and 4.6 rebounds, which isn’t insignificant. She’s also shooting 38.5 percent from beyond the arc.

The first game of the stretch saw the Huskies defeat Seton Hall 103-58 on Jan. 17. Seton Hall beat Marquette and St. John’s when those teams were ranked and right now Seton Hall, Marquette and St. John’s are all on the bubble. So UConn winning that game by 45 was quite impressive.

The next two blowouts (of Butler and DePaul) were more expected, but still impressive for the Huskies, given they’re not at full strength.

Against Seton Hall, Aaliyah Edwards, Dorka Juhász and Aubrey Griffin all scored 20-plus. Edwards averaged 21.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, four assists, two steals and 1.7 blocks over the three games.

No. 17 Gonzaga Bulldogs (19-2, 9-0 WCC, No. 6 seed in ESPN’s Jan. 24 Bracketology)

The Bulldogs had their two closest calls in WCC play on Jan. 14 (a 73-66 win over Portland) and last Thursday (an 81-78 win over Pacific). Portland is 14-6 overall and that loss is their only one in WCC play. But Pacific is tied for last in the conference at 2-7 (7-13 overall). The 81 points scored was solid, but Gonzaga allowed 78 points (17.7 more than their average allowed) to a team that averages 68.1. The only time it gave up more this season was in its 84-63 loss to now-No. 3 Stanford. The Bulldogs bounced back with an 82-57 win over Saint Mary’s (10-10, 4-5 WCC) this past Saturday. They have won 12 in a row and have not fallen out of the rankings since entering on Nov. 28.

Over the last week (two games) Yvonne Ejim averaged 23 points and eight boards.

No. 21 Villanova Wildcats (18-3, 9-1 Big East, No. 6 seed in…

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