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Aubrey Griffin Leads UConn Women to Victory at Seton Hall

ByCoach

Aubrey Griffin’s remarkable performance for the UConn women’s basketball team against Seton Hall has not only showcased her athletic prowess but also highlighted her deep-rooted connection to the Pirates’ campus.

With her parents being former Seton Hall athletes, Griffin’s return to Walsh Gymnasium was nothing short of spectacular.

In a season where UConn is grappling with injuries, Griffin’s resurgence could be pivotal for the Huskies as they approach the Big East tournament and March Madness.

Aubrey Griffin’s Stellar Performance at Seton Hall

UConn coach Geno Auriemma has come to expect big performances from Aubrey Griffin when the Huskies play at Seton Hall’s Walsh Gymnasium.

Griffin’s parents were both star athletes at Seton Hall: her father Adrian played in the NBA after his college career, and her mother Audrey Sterling was an All-American runner.

On Wednesday, Griffin helped UConn to a 91-49 victory with a season-high 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal in just 18 minutes.

Impressive Stats

Griffin’s performance was a testament to her efficiency and skill:

  • 5-for-5 from the field
  • 5-for-6 at the free throw line
  • Season-high 15 points
  • Five rebounds
  • Two assists
  • One steal

Griffin’s History at Seton Hall

Griffin has had a remarkable history playing at Seton Hall.

Over six seasons in Storrs, she has had five 20-point games, two of which came on the road against Seton Hall.

As a freshman, she logged her first double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds in a 92-78 win. In 2023, she led the Huskies with 22 points, eight boards, three assists, and two steals in a 103-58 rout.

Auriemma’s Thoughts

Coach Auriemma humorously noted, *If we played every game at Walsh, she’d be a first-, second- and third-team All-American.*

He acknowledged Griffin’s special connection to the venue and her parents’ legacy, emphasizing that her recent performances are reminiscent of her pre-injury form.

Griffin’s Road to Recovery

Griffin’s journey back to the court has been arduous.

Her first game back was on January 19 at Gampel Pavilion against Seton Hall, where she played just 11 minutes.

A month later, she showcased her old burst, scoring six points off and-one layups and making her first field goal in transition off a steal.

Steady Improvement

Griffin’s playing time has steadily increased over her eight appearances, with notable performances including:

  • First double-digit scoring performance against St. John’s with 10 points and nine rebounds
  • Bright spot in UConn’s loss at Tennessee with nine points and four rebounds
  • Shooting 50% or better in every game where she played at least 10 minutes

Impact on UConn’s Season

With just three games left in the regular season, Griffin hitting her stride could be game-changing for UConn come March.

Coach Auriemma called out his team’s immaturity after a sloppy first half against Seton Hall, highlighting the importance of veteran leadership from players like Griffin, Paige Bueckers, and Kaitlyn Chen.

Injury Concerns

UConn is also dealing with significant injuries:

  • Freshman Morgan Cheli has missed the last three games with a right ankle injury and may miss significant time.
  • Redshirt sophomore Ice Brady is in the midst of a three- to five-week recovery process from a left shoulder injury.

With these injuries, Griffin may need to contribute more down the stretch as the Huskies approach the Big East tournament.

Auriemma noted, *Last January before she got hurt, I thought she was playing the best basketball of her career. I don’t know that she’s there quite yet, but the more minutes that we can get her, she does make a difference. For sure, she is a difference maker.*

Conclusion

Aubrey Griffin’s performance against Seton Hall is a beacon of hope for UConn as they navigate a season marred by injuries.

Her connection to the venue, combined with her impressive stats and steady improvement, makes her a key player for the Huskies.

With the Big East tournament and March Madness on the horizon, Griffin’s resurgence could be the game-changer UConn needs.

For a detailed account of the game and Griffin’s performance, visit the original article here.

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