Azzi Fudd was back to full health, and her impact on UConn’s success was undeniable. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four after leading the Huskies to their 12th national championship with a stellar performance. Fudd scored 24 points in the 82-59 victory over South Carolina in the title game.
Last season, UConn reached the Final Four, but Fudd was sidelined due to a torn meniscus and ACL in her right knee. She watched from the sidelines as the Huskies were defeated by Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the semifinals. This time, she was ready to make a difference. She had already scored 19 points in the semifinal win against UCLA.
In the championship game, Fudd was outstanding, shooting 9 of 17 from the field, along with five rebounds, three steals, and an assist. Her 11-point performance in the third quarter helped UConn pull away from South Carolina, setting a record for the most points in a single quarter of an NCAA title game by a UConn women’s player, and the sixth-highest in championship history.
“Our mindset was to be aggressive, stay locked in, stay disciplined, and stay together,” Fudd said. “I happened to score 11 points, but I was just doing what the game gave me.”
Her parents were in the crowd, with her mother wearing a shirt that read “FUDD AROUND AND FIND OUT.” Fudd credited her family for her love of basketball, saying, “They taught me most of the things I know.”
While Fudd led the charge, she had strong support from her teammates. Sarah Strong contributed 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Paige Bueckers added 17 points in her final game with UConn. Fudd expressed gratitude for her teammates, coaching staff, and family, acknowledging their resilience and support throughout the season.
Fudd’s return to health was evident this season as she averaged 13.3 points per game, ranking third on the team behind Bueckers and Strong. She also posted career highs in shooting percentage (47.2%) and three-point shooting (44.6%). The Huskies had an impressive record of 68-8 when Fudd played, and 26-1 when she scored at least 15 points.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma highlighted Fudd’s importance: “We felt like Azzi was the key to the tournament. If she had an Azzi-type game, we knew we’d win.”
Despite Bueckers heading to the WNBA, Fudd announced she would return for one more season with UConn.
