The UConn women’s basketball team is set to play its first preseason game against Syracuse in the Hall of Fame Series Exhibition on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The matchup will be broadcast on NBC Sports Boston and streamed for free on UConn+, with radio coverage on the UConn Sports Network via FOX Sports 97.9.
Coming off an impressive 38-1 season that concluded with a record 25th NCAA Final Four appearance, the Huskies are bringing back a core group of key players. Reigning National Player of the Year Sarah Strong leads the returners, alongside senior starters KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade, and BIG EAST Freshman and Sixth Woman of the Year Blanca Quiñonez. The squad also welcomes three newcomers: top-ranked recruit Olivia Vukosa, and freshmen Jovana Popovic and Marine Dursus, who both bring valuable international experience.
Head coach Geno Auriemma and associate head coach Chris Dailey return for their 42nd season in Storrs, supported by assistants Morgan Valley, Tonya Cardoza, and former Huskies standout Nykesha Sales. Their opponent, Syracuse, finished the 2025-26 season with a 24-9 record and an NCAA Tournament bid. The Orange return ACC Rookie of the Year Uche Izoje and feature eight newcomers.
UConn holds a 41-13 all-time record against Syracuse in regulation. The last meeting between the two teams took place in the 2026 NCAA Tournament Second Round, where UConn secured a dominant 98-45 win, highlighted by a 34-point performance from Azzi Fudd.
Meanwhile, the UConn men’s basketball team is scheduled to face the Orange on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the same Hall of Fame Series. The Huskies’ upcoming preseason games against Texas and Army will air locally on WFSB and The Wax, with streaming options on UConn+.
