The No. 2-ranked UConn women’s basketball team delivered a 95-80 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks at the XL Center in Hartford on Sunday, taking down the only team that gave the Huskies a regular-season loss in 2020-21.
Star sophomore Paige Bueckers got going after a slow first quarter, scoring a career-high 34 points. The reigning national player of the year ended the night 15 of 19 with six rebounds and four assists. Seniors Evina Westbrook and Christyn Williams chipped in a combined 33 points.
The game had numerous highlights, including fast-playing blocks and steals in the second half, that kept the faithful in the game and cheering. But the Huskies also endured some defensive lapses as the Razorbacks made a push that took them from 15 points behind to within three in the second period.
The Huskies’ 19 fouls likely will be discussed in practice, but senior forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa stood out defensively, smothering the Arkansas shooters while tallying nine points and grabbing eight rebounds, seven of them on defense.
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UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) sails past Arkansas' Amber Ramirez (23) during the Huskies' season-opening 95-80 win at the XL Center in Hartford on Nov. 14, 2021.
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UConn's Christyn Williams (13) leads a fast break against Arkansas. Williams played over 36 minutes in the season opener, scoring 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting.
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Huskies forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa (right) smothers Razorbacks forward Erynn Barnum during the season opener at the XL Center. Nelson-Ododa went 4 of 6, scoring nine points and snagging eight rebounds.
Joe Amon / Connecticut Public / Connecticut Public
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UConn's Christyn Williams (13) goes to the hoop over Arkansas' Makayla Daniels as the Huskies open their season with a 95-80 win at the XL Center.
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UConn head coach Geno Auriemma makes an adjustment against the Razorbacks during the Huskies' season opener at the XL Center.
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UConn's Olivia Nelson-Ododa (right) stands strong for a rebound over Arkansas guard Marquesha Davis during the Huskies' season-opening 95-80 win at the XL Center.
Joe Amon / Connecticut Public / Connecticut Public
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UConn Huskies guard Evina Westbrook leads a rush downcourt as the Huskies open their season with a 95-80 win at the XL Center. Westbrook went 4 of 7, scoring 15 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
Joe Amon / Connecticut Public / Connecticut Public
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UConn guard Paige Bueckers (5) hit from all over the floor, scoring a career-high 34 points against Arkansas to help the Huskies open their season with a 95-80 win at the XL Center. Bueckers, who played all 40 minutes of the contest, shot 15 for 19 and collected six rebounds.
Joe Amon / Connecticut Public / Connecticut Public
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UConn's Paige Bueckers hugs her little brother Drew Bueckers after scoring a career-high 34 points against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Huskies' season-opening 95-80 win at the XL Center.
Joe Amon / Connecticut Public / Connecticut Public
