Preview: Connecticut Hosts Syracuse in NCAA Tournament Showdown

HARTFORD, Conn. (Interstat) — The undefeated and top-ranked Connecticut Huskies begin their postseason march Monday, facing the Syracuse Orange in a second-round NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament game at XL Center.

UConn (35-0), the tournament’s overall seed, enters having dominated its schedule, including a 90-52 first-round victory over Texas-San Antonio on Saturday. The Huskies have won every game this season by at least 10 points, with an average margin of victory exceeding 35 points.

Syracuse (24-8), an at-large bid recipient, advanced with a 72-63 road win at Iowa State. The Orange are 3-2 in their last five games, with both losses coming against ranked opponents.

The matchup features a compelling contrast in star power. UConn is led by freshman phenom Sarah Strong, who posted 18 points, five rebounds and four assists in the first round. Over her last six games, Strong is averaging 15.7 points and 4.2 assists in just 24.7 minutes per game.

Syracuse will counter with guard Laila Phelia, who scored 18 points in the win at Iowa State. Phelia has been inconsistent lately, however, scoring 23 points in a loss to Notre Dame on Feb. 26 but managing just six points in a late-season defeat at Louisville.

The Huskies’ depth has been overwhelming. In the first round, Blanca Quinonez added 15 points and five rebounds, while Ashlynn Shade contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. UConn’s defense has held 12 consecutive opponents under 60 points.

For Syracuse to challenge, it will need a high-level performance from Phelia and forward Izoje Uche, who erupted for 23 points against Iowa State. The Orange must also limit turnovers against UConn’s relentless pressure.

The Huskies have not lost an NCAA tournament game on their home floor since 1993. Monday’s game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. EDT tipoff and will be broadcast on ESPN.