UConn Women’s Basketball Takes Down Scrappy Nevada Squad, 88-57

In Gabby Williams’ homecoming game, the UConn women’s basketball team defeated the Nevada Wolf Pack, 88-57. Williams finished with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists in front of 40 friends and family.

While the game was supposed to be all about Williams, Kia Nurse stole the show in the first half. She hit every shot in the first half, including 5-5 from the 3-point line for 18 points. Nurse finished a perfect 8-8 from three and with a season-high 27 points.

UConn got off to a slow start by the own standards as they only lead 7-5 at the 7:17 mark of the first quarter. However, Nurse quickly sparked an 18-0 UConn run while the Wolf Pack were held scoreless for nearly four minutes.

Despite being clearly overmatched, Nevada wasn’t intimidated by UConn and refused to roll over. The Pack battled back-and-forth to cut the deficit to 36-15. However, the Huskies responded with a 9-0 run and would go into the half leading 53-26.

Out of the half, Nevada outscored the Huskies 10-4 in the first few minutes and arguably outplayed UConn, although the deficit was too great to overcome. The Huskies appeared sluggish at times, like all their travel finally caught up to them.

While the game was closer than expected, it allowed the Huskies’ starters to stay in the game longer, including Williams. The hometown hero checked out with 2:12 in the game to a big ovation from the crowd.

The total attendance of 7,815 was the largest crowd for a women’s basketball game in Nevada state history.

Azura Stevens continued to prove herself as one of the elite players in the country, earning a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, along with a game-high five assists.

With the win, the Huskies conclude their west coast roadtrip after over 7,000 miles of travel. They’ll return to Storrs and prepare for their clash with the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at the XL Center.