UConn Basketball Streak: Michigan Ends 39-Game Run

The University of Connecticut women's basketball team lost its 40th consecutive regular-season game on Thursday. The fifth-ranked Wolverines of Michigan defeated the No. 2 Huskies, 77-66, in the first top-five matchup ever held at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. The result ends a win streak that had lasted since February 2025.

Michigan avenged a loss to UConn during their first meeting last season. The victory marks the first time in program history that the Wolverines have defeated an opponent ranked in the top two. Before Thursday, Michigan had a record of 0-31 against teams ranked No. 1 through No. 4.

UConn struggled to find rhythm against Michigan's zone defense. The Huskies recorded double-digit turnovers before the 15-minute mark of the first half. They were outscored 18-8 in the second quarter. The Wolverines responded to every UConn scoring run with points of their own, keeping the game close for the first three quarters.

The game featured nine ties and 14 lead changes. UConn led by as many as five points in the first half but often played from behind. The Huskies entered the halftime break down by six points. They also faced a scoring drought of nearly two and a half minutes at the intermission.

Reigning national player of the year Sarah Strong spent most of the first half on the bench due to foul trouble. She missed her only field goal attempt in the first quarter. The crowd at Crisler Center reacted loudly when she received her third personal foul with over two minutes remaining in the opening frame. Strong sat out the entire second quarter and fouled out with 18 seconds left in the game while UConn trailed by 10 points.

Freshman Jovana Popovic provided the offensive spark for UConn. She scored a game-high 25 points. Popovic went on a personal run of 8 points and 2 rebounds to give the Huskies their first lead of the game halfway through the first quarter. By the six-minute mark of the third quarter, she had 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting. She remained composed despite a hostile crowd that chanted after her missed shots.

Olivia Vukosa also contributed against Michigan's physical defense. She checked in early and scored back-to-back baskets at 2:25 in the second quarter to tie the game for the fifth time. In the first 20 minutes, only four UConn players scored: Popovic, KK Arnold, Vukosa, and Blanca Quiñonez.

Michigan took control late in the third quarter. The Wolverines went on a 7-0 run in a span of 55 seconds to seize momentum for the final period. UConn's defense allowed Michigan's shooters to find open looks. The Huskies rarely pressured traps or forced steals, and few players crashed the boards.

Morgan Cheli made her season debut in the loss. The redshirt sophomore missed two preseason exhibitions and the season opener against Cornell. This was her first game in 634 days. She played five minutes and recorded one rebound. All 13 players on the UConn roster were available for the contest.

UConn now holds a 1-1 record on the season. Michigan improves to 1-0. The Huskies will look to rebound from their first competitive test of the year.