The UConn women looked unstoppable throughout their past season and in their first several games of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, until they ran into their recent rivals, South Carolina, in the Final Four.
From start to finish, Dawn Staley’s team looked well-prepared and sharper, frustrating UConn’s offense, scoring inside buckets and on fast breaks, outrebounding the Huskies, and ultimately prevailing 62-48. It gave Geno Auriemma’s squad its first loss in what had been an unblemished season, one that many expected would result in another championship.
And with that loss, senior Azzi Fudd’s storybook collegiate career officially comes to a close, as she’s now on her way to join the WNBA, potentially as the league’s No. 1 overall pick in just a few weeks. Unfortunately, she didn’t go out on a high note, with a disappointing performance in one of her team’s biggest games of the season.
Read more: UConn’s Geno Auriemma Reveals Big Stakes for Azzi Fudd at Final Four
In Friday night’s loss, Fudd spent 39 minutes on the court, shooting 3-for-15, which included 2-of-9 from three-point range. She finished with eight points, five assists, one rebound, a steal, and two turnovers.
Commenters flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions to Fudd’s performance in her final game ahead of leaving for the WNBA. Many were critical of what they saw from one of UConn’s biggest stars.
“Had Sarah Strong or Azzi Fudd been making their shots (and layups) we would have won,” a commenter wrote on X.
“Azzi Fudd?? When you don’t play anybody in your conference of course you’re in All American you’re the greatest basketball player number one pick but tonight she and Sarah strong were completely exposed,” another commenter said.
“Azzi Fudd just showed she can’t do nothing on the court if her shots not falling. She wasn’t even rebounding or assisting,she was just out there running cardio,” a critical comment said.
“Azzi Fudd went out bad. What the f*** was that,” another individual commented.
“Azzi Fudd plays so nonchalant that it bothers me, for once I want to see her with some intensity or anger!!!!!” a commenter said.
“hey at least geno’s melt down is distracting the haters from Azzi’s game,” a commenter said, regarding a fiery exchange involving Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley after the game.
“This game does not take away the amazing season Azzi Fudd had, she did a lot in the short time she had in her college career, onto the next level,” a commenter said in support of the UConn star.
Fudd received a lot of the criticism, but the Huskies played badly as a team, shooting just 31 percent and getting outrebounded 47-32. They also committed 17 fouls to just eight for South Carolina, a point of contention from Auriemma and fans, which could’ve also been UConn’s frustrations and poor defense.
Unfortunately, Fudd won’t add another championship to her career, but she was part of last season’s amazing run, which also featured now WNBA star Paige Bueckers as her teammate. Bueckers attended Friday’s game to support Fudd, and speculation suggests the two could be teammates if the Dallas Wings select Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick later this month.
Read more: NCAA Finalizing Tournament Expansion to 76 Teams: Report
For more about college basketball, head to Newsweek Sports.
