
From one former NCAA star to a different, Angel Reese gave props to UConn freshman Sarah Sturdy, who made a big impact in Friday’s win over UCLA that despatched the Huskies to the nationwide title recreation. Sturdy grew to become simply the third freshman in UConn historical past to attain at the least 20 factors in a Last 4 matchup.
Sturdy led the cost with a team-best 22 factors — 10 of which got here within the third quarter — alongside eight rebounds, serving to energy UConn to a commanding 85-51 victory.
Impressed by her efficiency, Angel Reese gave Sturdy a shoutout on X (previously Twitter), posting:
“Sarah Sturdy so robust!”
With Paige Bueckers restricted to only 12 factors after posting three straight 30-point video games, Sturdy took over offensively. Azzi Fudd additionally helped set the tone early with 19 factors within the first half.
The Huskies shot a formidable 55.0% and hit 43.8% from past the arc. They dedicated simply seven turnovers and edged out UCLA on the boards, 34-29.
For the Bruins, Lauren Betts led the best way with 26 factors and 5 rebounds, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient. UCLA shot simply 38.5% total and 25.0% from deep, whereas coughing up 19 turnovers.
UConn now advances to face the South Carolina Gamecocks within the nationwide championship recreation on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Angel Reese’s brother Julian exits March Insanity after Candy 16 loss
Angel Reese’s brother, Julian Reese, additionally made a March Insanity look, serving to the Maryland Terrapins attain the Candy 16, the place they matched up towards the Florida Gators.
That run got here to an finish with an 87-71 loss on March 27. Nonetheless, Angel was within the stands displaying help, sporting a shirt that learn “JuJu Sister” along with his No. 10 printed on the again. Julian put up 12 factors and grabbed eight rebounds within the loss.
After the sport, Angel shared her feelings on X:
“That recreation burdened me out man
”
Earlier than Maryland’s event exit, Julian hit a significant milestone — changing into simply the second participant in Terrapins males’s basketball historical past to notch 1,000 profession rebounds.
READ: Angel Reese drops 1-word response to brother Julian Reese’s exceptional school achievement
He joined just one different Maryland nice, Len Elmore, who reached that mark within the Nineteen Seventies whereas averaging a double-double earlier than shifting on to careers within the ABA and NBA.