Azzi Fudd scores 34 points as UConn thrash Syracuse to reach Sweet 16

Azzi Fudd scored 34 points in her final home game as top-ranked UConn thrashed Syracuse 98-45 on Monday to reach the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 for a 32nd consecutive season.

The Huskies produced a devastating 31-0 run in the first half to completely overwhelm their ninth-seeded opponents at Gampel Pavilion.

The sharpshooting senior tied her career highs in both points and three-pointers, adding five assists and four steals in a dominant individual display.

Her total of eight three-pointers fell just one short of the all-time NCAA tournament single-game record.

Ruthless Huskies maintain perfect record

Sarah Strong contributed 18 points and nine rebounds as the undefeated Connecticut outfit secured their 52nd consecutive victory of the season.

Blanca Quiñonez also added 18 points for the overall top seeds, who stormed into an insurmountable 65-12 advantage by half-time.

Syracuse endured a torrid evening on the court, missing 10 consecutive shots and going nearly ten-and-a-half minutes without scoring a single basket during the opening half.

Uche Izoje managed a team-high 12 points for the Orange, who had previously defeated Iowa State in the opening round to reach this stage.

Historic rivalry awaits in Fort Worth

The top-ranked side will now travel to the Fort Worth 1 regional semifinal on Friday to face North Carolina.

It marks only the second NCAA tournament meeting between the two storied basketball programmes.

The Tar Heels emerged victorious in their only previous post-season encounter, winning 81-69 on their way to claiming the 1994 national title.

Meanwhile, Monday’s comprehensive victory extended a remarkable home streak, marking a 52nd straight tournament win at Gampel Pavilion for the unstoppable hosts.