Virginia Heads To No. 2/2 Connecticut For Wednesday Night Showdown

Story Links

CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Virginia women’s basketball team travels to No. 2/2 Connecticut Wednesday for a 7 p.m. game at the Hartford Civic Center. The game will be broadcast on WINA 1070 in Charlottesville, with Jay James (play-by-play) and Myron Ripley (color commentary) calling the action. There is a subscription-based webcast available through Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) Hoop Streams, which can be accessed at www.uconnhuskies.com.

Virginia has won five of its last six games and two in a row, including an 83-35 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson Sunday in its last outing. Four Cavaliers are averaging double figures in scoring, led by Lyndra Littles (17.0 ppg) and followed by Monica Wright (16.8 ppg), Paulisha Kellum (12.4 ppg) and Aisha Mohammed (12.0 ppg). The fifth starter, Sharne Zoll, leads the team with 4.9 assists per game.

Connecticut is undefeated with a 6-0 record and is ranked No. 2 in both national polls. Three Huskies average at least 10 points per game, including Maya Moore (18.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Tina Charles (13.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg) and Mel Thomas (10.5 ppg). Head coach Geno Auriemma is in his 23rd season and has a 621-120 record. He was an assistant at Virginia under Debbie Ryan from 1982-85.

Connecticut leads the all-time series with the Cavaliers, 3-2, including a 96-60 victory last season at John Paul Jones Arena. The last Virginia victory was on Feb. 17, 1992, a 64-43 win in Charlottesville. The last time Virginia faced UConn on its home turf was in the 1995 East Regional Final at Gampel Pavilion. The Huskies prevailed in that game, 67-63.

Virginia owns a 1-1 record against ranked opponents this season. The Cavaliers defeated No. 21/22 Texas on Nov. 23 at the Rainbow Wahine Classic, 86-83, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Despite a strong effort against No. 14/13 George Washington on Nov. 12, the Cavaliers dropped a close game, 70-68, at John Paul Jones Arena.