The top-ranked UConn Huskies will host Providence on Senior Day, recognizing five players including Azzi Fudd after a perfect season so far. The game at Gampel Pavilion marks an emotional milestone for Fudd, who has overcome multiple injuries to become a key contributor. UConn enters undefeated, having clinched the Big East regular-season title.
The No. 1 UConn women's basketball team, with a record of 28-0 and 17-0 in the Big East, faces Providence (14-14, 7-10 Big East) on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at noon ET at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut. This matchup serves as Senior Day, where UConn will honor its seniors—Ice Brady, Caroline Ducharme, Azzi Fudd, Ayanna Patterson, and Serah Williams—in a postgame ceremony.
UConn has dominated the series, holding a 51-21 all-time record against Providence and winning the last 38 meetings. The Huskies previously defeated the Friars 90-53 on December 31. Providence has won its last four games, led by Sabou Gueye's 15.3 points per game average. UConn has already secured the Big East regular-season championship and the No. 1 seed in the March conference tournament. Over the past five seasons, the Huskies boast a 159-21 record, with three Final Four appearances, two national championship games, and one title.
Azzi Fudd's story adds emotional depth to the day. After suffering ACL and medial meniscus tears in practice early in the 2023-24 season, along with foot and knee injuries that limited her to 42 games over three years, Fudd returned for her fifth season. She played her first game back against Fairleigh Dickinson, receiving a standing ovation from 10,167 fans. Now, Fudd has started all 28 games, with 57 consecutive appearances, ranking second behind Ashlynn Shade.
Fudd has emerged as a stabilizer amid injuries to teammates, contributing career-high averages of 18 points, 2.4 steals, 3 assists, and 47% from three-point range, playing over 28 minutes per game. In February, she averaged 23 points, 3 steals, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 62% from three. Alongside Sarah Strong, her defense and shooting have helped maintain UConn's 44-game win streak.
Reflecting on her return, Fudd said, “There’s no doubt, no second guessing... that little doubt would creep into my mind—that’s completely gone.” Coach Geno Auriemma noted, “I knew she wanted to come back for one more year,” and praised her growth: “She’s become more confident, better able to just be herself.” Fudd described the season as “the most fun from every perspective” and anticipates the ceremony will “hit me like a truck.”
Her friendship with Ducharme, who has also battled injuries, has been a support system. Ducharme said, “We’ve both been through our fair share, but we’ve always had each other’s back.” Auriemma added, “I’m sure the two of them sit in the back of the bus so they can talk about all the scars that they have.” Fudd's performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where she earned Most Outstanding Player honors with key contributions in the Final Four and championship, showcased her resilience under the 'UConn Standard' of playing hard, smart, and having fun.
The game will air on FS1, with streaming available on Fubo.
