“Just basically their confidence and how hard they’ve been working in practice and how much they have been learning and how much their aggression level means for this team.” Bueckers said when asked about El Alfy and Strong’s impact on the Huskies. “So, for them to set the tone for the season is huge for what we can be as a team.”

In the first half, even with a substantial lead, the Huskies would not take their foot off the gas, with various players stepping up, holding the Terriers to zero points until the midway point of the first quarter.

Throughout the duration of the first and second quarter, the Huskies used the Terriers 19 turnovers to their advantage to be aggressive in the post, including Bueckers who in just the first three minutes of the game notched four rebounds and was leading the team with 11 points at the end of the first quarter.

Throughout the majority of the second quarter, it was Strong who continued her consistency from the first quarter and attained eight points and was 4-5 on the field.

“I think they prove in high school that they are made for the moments that they show their best stuff when people expect it most of them.” Head coach Geno Auriemma said when asked about the pressure that high profile players like Strong, and Liam McNeeley from the UConn Men’s Basketball team have entering their freshman campaign. “It’s what makes them who they are. That’s why everyone covets them coming to your school. We certainly had our share of those. So, every once in a while, you get really unique guys that come along. Certainly, Sarah is that kind of player. They come along every once in a while.”

With Connecticut having the lead by 47 points, they headed into the second half of the game ready to seal the deal for their home opener win.

However, as time went on, they started to take their foot off the gas a bit, only adding 26 points to the scoreboard, compared to the first half’s 60 points, but that was when El Alfy stepped up for Connecticut and proved herself as a force to be reckoned with around the paint.

In the second half, El Alfy dropped nine points and five rebounds to help her team clinch the win.

“The more she plays, the more comfortable she’s going to be. We had a long talk yesterday about her expectations for herself with her frustration level and when things don’t go her way. There’s a lot of angst in her game.” Auriemma said when asked about the difference in comfortability El Alfy had in the exhibition game to today. “I think just playing more games, being in more situations, getting a feel to not go too fast. I thought she had a pretty good pace today. That was a great start for her.”

Throughout the entire game, the Huskies were solid in their offensive play from all aspects and experiences on their roster. With players like El Alfy and Strong dominating the court, it’s a strong demonstration of the aptitude of this team’s potential as tonight marked the beginning of their quest for No. 12.

Overall, Auriemma told media personnel that he was satisfied with the way the team came together today and pleasantly surprised with the way the team came together, despite the many new faces on the roster.

“Honestly, I think the focus in practice for us to really come together and play as a team. Obviously, we don’t have the most experience playing with each other, which is why it’s been the emphasis in practice to help each other out.” Bueckers said to media personnel when asked about what surprised her the most about the team coming together so quickly. “We had a strong start today, but there are still a lot of things we must work on. We’re not getting complacent with that, but we still have a long way to go. I think it was a step in the right direction today.”

Next up, the Huskies are set to take on the University of South Florida Bulls with a tip-off time scheduled for 4:30 p.m. from Gampel Pavilion. If Husky fans cannot make it to Storrs, they can tune in to the matchup on SNY.