Overview
- Tip is set for 5:30 p.m. ET Tuesday at Alumni Hall in Annapolis with national coverage on ESPN.
- UConn begins defense of its title with Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong stepping into larger roles following Paige Bueckers’ departure.
- Geno Auriemma cautioned that chemistry remains a work in progress with five newcomers, saying he would have preferred to ease into the schedule.
- UConn leads the all-time series 20-3 and won the most recent meeting 85-52 at Barclays Center last December.
- Louisville returns one starter, integrates seven newcomers after portal losses including Nyla Harris to North Carolina, and adds standout forward Laura Ziegler to anchor a retooled roster.