UConn women’s team starts NCAA tournament in ruthless fashion

This year’s UConn Women’s basketball team continues to be everything they weren’t supposed to be. Last year’s top three UConn players went 1-2-3 in the WNBA Draft, leaving the team without a notable star. They were also ranked No. 3 in preseason polls with a new starting lineup that clearly needed work. They weren’t supposed to be this good, this fast.

But now the best team in the country, led by last year’s role players who are exceeding all expectations. They’re a quirky and endearing team who is continuing the UConn tradition as well as all who have come before them.

They started the tournament out on Saturday doubling up on No. 16 seed Albany and winning 116 - 55. It was a game that started strange and ended dominant, just as this team has done all season. UConn started with four turnovers in four minutes, showing some uncharacteristic tournament jitters for the Huskies. They then went on a 27-11 run and led by 19 at the end of the first quarter. The route was just beginning.

Here is where they turn savage and why this team is fun and ruthless. The Huskies led by 39 points heading into the fourth quarter. They then hit seven more three-pointers in the final period and won the game by 61 points. They went 7-of-8 from the three point line to close the game!

Look at this three-pointer with 37.8 seconds left. Not only did they have the mindset to take it, they made it too. A quirky team that also has petty levels? I’m here for it.

Katie Lou Samuelson, Napheesa Collier, and Gabby Williams are arguably some of the best players in the NCAA this year and could all make a case for Most Improved Player of the year as well. On Saturday, Collier finished with a game-high 24 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. It was her 14th double-double of the season.

The team also had 34 assists on 43 field goals which just proves the style of basketball they play.

This is a fun and different UConn team that plays exciting basketball. UConn will face the winner of Syrcause and Iowa State on Monday, going for 109-straight wins and they absolutely deserve your attention.