uconn vs villanova: No. 1 Huskies look to clinch BIG EAST share Wednesday
STORRS, Conn. — The top-ranked UConn women's basketball team (27-0, 16-0 BIG EAST) heads to Finneran Pavilion to face Villanova (21-5, 14-3) on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7: 00 p. m. ET. A win would secure at least a share of the 2025-26 BIG EAST regular-season championship for the Huskies, who have claimed every league regular-season title since rejoining the conference in 2020.
What’s at stake in uconn vs villanova
UConn enters the matchup riding a perfect conference slate and a long-running dominance in league play. Including tournament contests, the Huskies have extended a league winning streak that now sits at 63 games. Villanova, meanwhile, comes in on a six-game winning streak and is firmly in contention for the conference crown, making Wednesday’s meeting a high-stakes clash between two of the league’s best.
Beyond the title implications, the game is a regional marquee event: the UConn program remains focused on maintaining momentum as postseason seeding looms. The matchup also has personal significance for the UConn coach, who hails from the Philadelphia suburbs, adding another layer to a storied series in which UConn leads the all-time series 48-18.
Players to watch
Graduate guard Azzi Fudd has been a consistent offensive force and arrives in Villanova fresh off a 25-point performance in a road win over Marquette. Fudd’s recent stretch earned her conference player-of-the-week honors for a second straight week; over the last two games she averaged 22. 0 points while hitting at a high rate from deep.
Sophomore Sarah Strong has emerged as a two-way presence, delivering 22 points in the Marquette game and producing a 24-point, nine-rebound, five-block outing the last time these teams met on Jan. 15. Strong’s interior scoring and rim protection have been pivotal late in games this season.
Junior KK Arnold has provided playmaking and versatility, recording a career-high nine assists in Milwaukee while chipping in double-figure scoring. For Villanova, guard Jasmine Bascoe leads the Wildcats at roughly 18. 1 points per game and will be a primary scoring threat UConn must contain.
Injury and roster notes
The Huskies will be without redshirt junior Ice Brady for the remainder of the season after she underwent knee surgery earlier this week. Her absence is a loss in the backcourt, but the roster remains deep and experienced. Guard Blanca Quiñonez, who missed time with a shoulder issue, is expected to be available for the trip to Villanova.
UConn will also use its next home game to honor the program’s seniors later this week, a traditional Senior Day recognition that highlights the contributions of Ice Brady, Caroline Ducharme, Azzi Fudd, Ayanna Patterson and Serah Williams.
Wednesday’s meeting promises to be a strategic battle: UConn will look to impose its tempo, force turnovers and exploit its depth, while Villanova will aim to ride its recent momentum and home-court energy. Tip-off is scheduled for 7: 00 p. m. ET at Finneran Pavilion.
