Blanca Quiñonez (shoulder) and Caroline Ducharme (migraine) remain sidelined for the fourth straight game. There’s also no change for Morgan Cheli (ankle) and Ice Brady (knee), who are recovering from long-term injuries.

UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma cleared up a hot topic of discussion.

UConn starter Sarah Strong, second from left, sits out for a day of rest on the bench with teammates Ice Brady, left, Morgan Cheli, second from right, and Blanca Quiñonez, right, durinig the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Butler, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

The top-ranked UConn women's basketball team played without its top scorer and rebounder Sarah Strong on Saturday.

As Sarah Strong continues strengthening her case for national player of the year, it’s no surprise that the UConn women’s basketball star headlines the midseason top 10 for the Katrina McClain Award.

El Alfy and Fisher played the majority of the second half along with Ashlynn Shade (11 points), Kayleigh Heckel and Ayanna Patterson. Fisher tied her career-highs in points (six), rebounds (three) and assists (two) in 14 minutes.

UConn women’s basketball sophomore Sarah Strong will be unavailable for the Huskies’ game against Butler due to rest.

The Associated Press national player of the week in women’s basketball for Week 13 is No. 1 UConn’s Sarah Strong. The sophomore forward won the award for the second consecutive week after helping the top-ranked Huskies rout Xavier and Tennessee.

Danny Strong was lost for words. Usually, he always knew just what to say to his daughter before each game. Words of encouragement, support and motivation to play hard and have fun. But ahead of UConn women's basketball's Final Four game against UCLA ...

UConn women's basketball sophomore forward Sarah Strong and graduate student Azzi Fudd were named to the 2025-26 Women's late Midseason Top 20 Watch List,