Sarah Strong’s incredible game shows why UConn should win title

UConn women’s basketball has produced staggering talent throughout the years, yet no one has had an NCAA tournament game as a freshman like forward Sarah Strong’s in Monday’s 78-64 Elite Eight win over USC.

The 2024-25 Big East Rookie of the Year had 22 points and a career-high 17 rebounds as the Huskies advanced to their 24th Final Four in program history.

Strong became the first UConn freshman with 20 points and 15 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game and just the sixth player all-time. She’s the first to accomplish the feat in the Elite Eight or later. (h/t Stathead)

Strong shot 8-of-13 from the floor and added four assists and a steal. In the second quarter, she scored against USC senior forward Kiki Iriafen, getting past the 2024-25 All-Big Ten team member with a nice spin move after receiving the ball at the elbow.

Strong dribbled into the paint, pulling Iriafen inside, then quickly spun out and around for an easy layup.

Senior forward Paige Bueckers, who led the Huskies with 31 points, six assists and four steals in Monday’s win, is UConn’s undeniable star and best player. But a frontcourt presence like Strong gives the Huskies a realistic shot of winning their first national title since 2016.

UConn (35-3) plays UCLA (34-2) in the Final Four on Friday. Strong, 6-foot-2, will have her hands full with Bruins 6-foot-7 forward Lauren Betts, but she has the scoring and rebounding ability to cause problems for the 2024-25 first-team Associated Press All-America team member.

Strong might only be a freshman, but she’s played like a seasoned veteran during March Madness, averaging 17 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 62.2% in four games.

She might just be the X-factor that guides UConn to cutting down the nets in Tampa.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans