The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Huskies could face some stiff tests early
Despite challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the UConn women were able to retain the most entertaining portion of their 2020-21 schedule — with a slight exception.
Three of the Huskies’ current non-conference opponents are ranked in the Associated Press preseason poll, including No. 1 South Carolina, which visits Gampel Pavilion on Feb. 8. The Huskies also face No. 4 Baylor ( Jan. 7) and rival Tennessee ( Jan. 21) on the road, and could see No. 6 Mississippi State in the second game of the Hall of Fame Challenge at Mohegan Sun on Nov. 29.
Notre Dame, ranked 22nd under new coach Niele Ivey, postponed its longstanding series with UConn, citing a scheduling issue with the Atlantic Coast Conference moving from 18 to 20 conference games. The Huskies later added another marquee program, however, swapping in No. 5 Louisville for Dec. 4 in Uncasville.
UConn’s Big East opener is set for Dec. 6 at Seton Hall. The conference has yet to release its full 20-game slate, though.
Here’s a breakdown of the Huskies schedule heading into their season opener (Nov. 28 against Quinnipiac at Mohegan Sun).
FIVE OPPOSING TEAMS TO WATCH
Nov. 29 vs. No. 6 Mississippi State, Mohegan Sun Arena, Time TBA, ESPN: Barring an upset, these teams will meet for the first time since the 2017 Final Four, where — speaking of upsets — Mississippi State snapped the Huskies record 111-game win streak and ended their run at a fifth straight national title on a buzzer-beater by Morgan William in overtime. Former Tennessee star Nikki McCray-Pearson takes over behind the bench for Vic Schaefer, who departed this offseason for Texas.
Dec. 4 vs. No. 5 Louisville, Mohegan Sun Arena, 7 p.m., ESPN: UConn coach Geno Auriemma still has Jeff Walz’s number, but the Cardinals may have the best player on the floor in this matchup in senior guard Dana