Azzi Fudd shines in her first national semifinal since 2022, helps lead UConn to women’s title game

TAMPA Fla AP Azzi Fudd banked in a -pointer from the top of the key in the first half of the Final Four When the shot from UConn s standout senior guard went in coach Geno Auriemma lifted his arms above him a small celebration of what was shaping up to be Fudd s best offensive half of the women s NCAA Tournament It didn t take Fudd long to assert herself Friday against UCLA in her first national semifinal since in her freshman season as injuries had forced her to watch the Huskies last Final Four run from the bench She scored all of her points in the first half almost more than UCLA s entire crew during that span and she wasn t needed much in the second UConn beat UCLA - and it was never really close The Huskies will play defending champion South Carolina in Sunday s final after a stellar first-half performance from the sharpshooter who has battled numerous injuries to get there Fudd worked her way back this year after tearing the medial meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee in November It was a long rehab process that included help from four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry whose club of trainers collaborated with the UConn biological staff to create benchmarks and tests for Fudd to complete before returning to the court After only playing two games in - Fudd averaged points this season shooting a career-high from the field and from -point range also a career high and best in the Big East Fudd s impact on one of the nation s the majority dominant teams was evident well before Friday s national semifinal UConn improved to - in games she plays - when she makes at least three -pointers and - when she scores at least points AP March Madness bracket https apnews com hub ncaa-womens-bracket and coverage https apnews com hub march-madness Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top throughout the season Sign up here Source