STORRS, Conn. — Undefeated UConn (35-0) faces its stiffest test yet in the NCAA Women’s Tournament when it hosts No. 9 seed Syracuse on Monday night at Gampel Pavilion. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on ESPN, and the matchup pits two programs with a complex history against each other, with a Sweet Sixteen berth on the line. The game represents a significant challenge for Syracuse, a team that exceeded expectations just to reach this stage of the tournament, and a potential stumbling block for UConn’s pursuit of another national championship. This NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament second-round contest is drawing national attention.
Syracuse advanced to the second round with a convincing 72-63 victory over Iowa State in the first round, fueled by a breakout performance from freshman center Uche Izoje, who scored 23 points. Sophomore guard Olivia Schmitt added a career-high 15 points, including five consecutive three-pointers in the second quarter that helped seal the win. The Orange (24-8) have now reached the second round in eight of their last nine NCAA Tournament appearances, a testament to their consistent postseason performance despite being picked to finish 13th in the Atlantic Coast Conference preseason poll.
A History of Dominance: UConn’s Reign and Syracuse’s Uphill Battle
Standing in the way of Syracuse’s continued tournament run is a UConn program that has long been a standard of excellence in women’s college basketball. The Huskies boast an impressive 35-0 record this season and have dominated opponents throughout the year. Historically, the series heavily favors UConn, with the Huskies holding a 41-12 all-time record against the Orange. Syracuse hasn’t defeated UConn since January 2, 1996, a game that holds particular significance given the involvement of current Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack.
That 1996 victory came when Legette-Jack was an assistant coach on the Syracuse staff. The connection between Legette-Jack and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma runs even deeper. Auriemma reportedly recruited Legette-Jack when he was an assistant coach at Virginia in the mid-1980s, but she ultimately chose to stay in-state and become an All-American at Syracuse. Auriemma then went on to build the UConn dynasty, although Legette-Jack embarked on a successful coaching career of her own. This is the second time in three years the two coaches will face off in the NCAA Tournament, adding a personal layer to the already high-stakes matchup.
Familiar Territory: Frequent Tournament Meetings
This isn’t the first time Syracuse and UConn have met in the NCAA Tournament, particularly in the second round. In fact, this marks the fourth time in the last five tournaments that the two programs have clashed at this stage. Three of those previous matchups took place on UConn’s home court in Storrs, Connecticut, giving the Huskies a distinct advantage. The Orange’s most memorable encounter with UConn came in the 2016 National Championship game in Indianapolis, where a Cinderella Syracuse team fell to the Huskies 82-51.
A win on Monday would be a historic achievement for Syracuse, securing the program’s second Sweet Sixteen appearance and the first since that memorable 2016 run. It would likewise represent a significant milestone in Legette-Jack’s tenure, further solidifying her impact on the program.
Legette-Jack’s Transformation of the Orange
In just four years, Felisha Legette-Jack has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Syracuse women’s basketball program. She has instilled a new level of competitiveness and belief within the team, doubling last season’s win total and earning recognition as one of the most successful coaches in the ACC. Her ability to develop young talent, as evidenced by the emergence of players like Uche Izoje and Olivia Schmitt, has been crucial to the Orange’s success.
“She’s just a phenomenal leader,” said Schmitt after the win against Iowa State. “She believes in us, and she pushes us to be our best every day.”
UConn, meanwhile, continues to rely on its established stars and depth. The Huskies are led by a core of experienced players who have been instrumental in their undefeated season. Their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency have made them a formidable opponent for any team in the country.
Tickets for the game are available at uconnhuskies.com/tickets. Fans unable to attend in person can watch the game live on ESPN at 6 p.m. ET. For the latest updates and information on Syracuse women’s basketball, follow @CuseWBB on social media.
Looking Ahead
Monday night’s game represents a significant opportunity for both Syracuse and UConn. For Syracuse, it’s a chance to prove they can compete with the nation’s best and continue their improbable tournament run. For UConn, it’s a test of their dominance and a step closer to their ultimate goal of winning another national championship. The winner will advance to the Sweet Sixteen, with the next round of games scheduled for next weekend. The NCAA will announce the specific dates, times, and locations of those games following the conclusion of the second-round matchups.
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