Azzi Fudd scores 17 as unbeaten UConn beats Butler, extends winning streak to 41 games

UConn stays perfect, Butler struggles with turnovers in Big East road loss

Top-ranked UConn extended its winning streak to 41 games on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, defeating Butler 80-48 in Hartford, Connecticut. The victory kept the Huskies unbeaten at 25-0 overall and 14-0 in Big East play, while Butler fell to 9-15 overall and 3-11 in conference games.

Azzi Fudd led UConn with 17 points, scoring 15 before halftime as the Huskies built separation in the second quarter. UConn placed five starters in double figures, with Serah Williams, Ashlynn Shade and Allie Ziebell each scoring 11 points and KK Arnold adding 10. The balanced output helped UConn maintain control despite playing without key contributors.

Short-handed UConn leans on depth

UConn played without sophomore forward Sarah Strong, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, who missed the game to rest. Blanca Quiñonez, UConn’s top-scoring reserve, was also out with a shoulder injury. The Huskies’ rotation adjustments included another start for Ziebell, who contributed on both ends and helped stabilize the backcourt alongside Arnold.

• All five UConn starters scored in double figures.
• UConn turned defense into offense, forcing 23 Butler turnovers.
• Butler’s scoring dipped sharply after an early stretch of efficient shooting.

Defense and turnovers decide the margin

Butler opened with a brief efficient stretch, but UConn tightened its half-court defense and limited clean looks for long portions of the first half. The Huskies’ pressure also created repeated empty possessions for the Bulldogs, and the turnover gap widened as UConn generated transition opportunities and additional shot attempts.

The game’s flow changed most decisively in the second quarter, when UConn’s run pushed the halftime margin to a level that forced Butler into a chase. From there, UConn maintained a lead that exceeded 30 points early in the second half before closing out the game with a steady rotation.

Butler’s Big East climb continues to be steep

For Butler, the loss underscored ongoing challenges against the top of the league, particularly ball security against elite defensive pressure. The Bulldogs were held to 48 points and did not consistently generate second-chance scoring or sustained half-court rhythm as UConn’s guards and wings denied passing lanes.

UConn’s 80-48 win over Butler marked the Huskies’ 41st consecutive victory and preserved an unbeaten season entering the next week of conference play.

UConn’s next game is scheduled to be at home against Creighton, continuing a conference slate in which the Huskies have not dropped a Big East game this season.