El Alfy, strong lead #2 UConn Past BU

HARTFORD, Conn. – Freshmen Sarah Strong and redshirt freshman Jana El Alfy Each scored 17 points to lead the second-ranked UConn women’s basketball team to an 86-32 victory over Boston University in the Huskies’ season opener on Thursday at the XL Center.

“In the first half we played a half like we had hoped and then we wanted to work on some things in the second half and it showed we still have a lot to do, which is good,” said head coach Geno Auriemma said. “That’s what you want to get out of these games. We’re really good at that and we still have a lot to work on. We’ve had great input from a lot of people and that’s a great sign.”

Strong, the No. 1 freshman prospect in the class of 2024, made her first start in her first collegiate game. She added six steals, four rebounds and three assists while shooting 8 of 12 from the field.

“I feel like I started slow and got better as the game went on,” Strong said. “I just want to build on staying aggressive and having more confidence in the paint and stuff like that.”

After missing the 2023-24 season due to injury, El Alfy made her long-awaited debut against the Terriers, recording a double-double with 11 rebounds.

Redshirt senior Paige Bueckers She started her final season at UConn with 13 points, four rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Second semester Ashlynn Shade scored 10 points and added six steals, the most of his career.

The Huskies made 25 steals against BU, including 15 in the first half. UConn outscored the Terriers 60-13 in the first 20 minutes and held the visiting team’s shooting percentage to 25 percent.

Five players made their UConn debuts Thursday: El Alfy, Strong, freshmen Morgan Cheli And Allie Ziebell and graduate transfer Katilyn Chen.

“I was surprised that we shot as well as we did in the first half,” Auriemma said. “We know what these players can do. Some of the things they have to do will take time, but this is half of your team that has never played before.”

UConn’s offense slowed in the second half, but the Huskies still got 10 steals.

After a shortened bench last season due to injuries, the Huskies had 10 players available in the season opener. UConn scored 38 bench points.

The Huskies host South Florida (2-0) at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The game will air on SNY and the UConn Sports Network (FOX Sports 97-9).