UConn could face four Top 10 teams in first month

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 20game 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 Evans.

Jan. 7 at No. 4 Baylor, Ferrell Center, Waco, Texas, Time/TV TBA:

Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year NaLyssa Smith will lead Baylor’s quest for a repeat. Remember, the Lady Bears are technically still the defending national champions.

Jan. 21 at Tennessee, Thompson-Boling Arena, Knoxville, Tenn., Time/ TV TBA: The game’s preeminent rivalry returns to Rocky Top for the first time in 5,493 days. UConn is 4-0 in national championship games and 14-9 overall against Tennessee, including a 60-45 victory in Hartford in January. The Lady Vols, now in their second season under Kellie Harper, are currently unranked.

Feb. 8 vs. No. 1 South Carolina, Gampel Pavilion, Time/TV TBA: The Gamecocks begin this season in the same place they ended following the COVID-19 shutdown — No. 1 in the AP poll. Dawn Staley returns a wealth of talent, including forward Aliyah Boston, whose 86 blocks were a freshman

program record. It’s title or bust.

A DOZEN OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aliyah Boston, South Carolina, So., F, 6-5: Oh, what could’ve been. The reigning National Freshman of the Year — and former UConn target — is an AP preseason AllAmerican.

DiJonai Carrington, Baylor, Sr., G, 5-11: Kim Mulkey hopes to continue her success with graduate transfers. Carrington, a former Stanford standout, also considered UConn and Oregon before committing in May.

Zia Cooke, South Carolina, So., G, 5-9: Cooke, another member of Dawn Staley’s heralded 2019 recruiting class, may take over the reins at point guard for the Gamecocks.

Rennia Davis, Tennessee, Sr., G/F, 6-2: The Lady Vols ranked Top 3 in the country in rebounding and blocks last season. Davis (8.2 RPG, 2.0 BPG) was a big reason why.

Dana Evans, Louisville, Sr., G, 5-6: Another preseason All-American, Evans is back for one final go-round as a Cardinal after turning down the chance to go pro and enter the WNBA Draft.

Desiree Elmore, Seton Hall, Sr., G/F, 5-10: The East Hartford native and former Capital Prep star has found a home with the Pirates (13.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG) after transferring from Syracuse.

Lexi Held, DePaul, Jr., G, 5-10: Was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2020 Big East Tournament after scoring 31 points in a championship game win over Marquette.

Rickea Jackson, Mississippi St., Soph., F, 6-2: The Bulldogs top returning scorer (15.1 PPG) is an AllSEC pick.

DiDi Richards, Baylor, Sr., G, 6-1: The 2020 National Defensive Player of the Year is recovering after suffering a spinal cord injury in a collision with a teammate at practice on Oct. 24. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic about returning this season.

Maddy Siegrist, Villanova, Soph., F, 6-1: Won Big East Freshman of the Year after averaging 18.8 points and 8.9 rebounds.

NaLyssa Smith, Baylor, Jr., F, 6-2: Smith’s return (14.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG) should help ease the loss of Lauren Cox.

Hailey Van Lith, Louisville, Fr., G, 5-7: Big expectations await Van Lith, a former McDonald’s All-American and teammate of UConn’s Paige Bueckers with USA Basketball.

Ben McKeown / Associated Press Louisville’s Dana Evans reacts after hitting a 3-pointer during an NCAA women’s basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference women’s tournament against Florida State in Greensboro, N.C., on March 7. Evans is the preseason ACC player of the year.

John Hefti / Associated Press Stanford guard DiJonai Carrington takes a free throw against Team USA in the fourth quarter of an exhibition women’s basketball game on Nov. 2 in Stanford, Calif. Team USA won 95-80.