No Sarah Strong Today

[uconnfan68]

I’ve never seen him sit a player of the year candidate so others get a chance to assert themselves. He recently said he wanted to start building up starter minutes.

He gets to do that because the opponent is weak enough to not matter. He absolutely wants others to step up.

 

[Centerstream]

Sarah taking a game off is similar to what the NBA does, frequently with back to back games, when teams will often rest their stars for a game in the middle of a grueling season. This is one of the true advantages of a BE schedule that’s front end loaded.

I expect we’ll see a guard-heavy lineup today with more PT for both Jana & Ayanna.

Going to be a game where we can see if KK, Ashlynn, Allie and Kayleigh can give the team consistent point production. A game for Serah and Jana to up their games to previous seasons performance and production. Butler is going to concentrate on stopping Azzi so everybody else has to contribute pointwise more than "normal".
But on the other side of the court, Addison Baxter is out for Butler. She scored 10 points, tied for the team high, against us in the first game. 🙂

 

[oldude]

Going to be a game where we can see if KK, Ashlynn, Allie and Kayleigh can give the team consistent point production. A game for Serah and Jana to up their games to previous seasons performance and production. Butler is going to concentrate on stopping Azzi so everybody else has to contribute pointwise more than "normal".

And don’t think for a second that Geno will not use this game to challenge the rest of his team to execute without the Nation’s best player.

Geno = Smart like a fox……

 

[Magic32]

I don't see any issue with UConn using rest as the reason. I think it would be smart to get each of them time off if possible. Bodies take a beating and I feel like each player gives it everything she can and sacrifice their bodies diving all over the court.

 

[Centerstream]

And don’t think for a second that Geno will not use this game to challenge the rest of his team to execute without the Nation’s best player.

Geno = Smart like a fox……

Just guessing here but I'm thinking that this decision wasn't made after their last practice for this game, so the players were made aware of their rotation and the expectations.

 

[BRS24]

First time I've ever heard of a college player being out for rest. I think UConn owes a more detailed explanation.

No, no they don't. It's not anyone's business, regardless of injury, or just rest.

 

[EricSD]

Starting to get worried about Blanca. Ayanna had "shoulder" injuries from high school, tried to play thru it, and then needed 2 years of surgeries and rehab and is still trying to come back. Let's hope Blanca's injury isn't something chronic that needs to be managed or will need surgery.

In the past 5-10 years, UConn must be the most snake-bitten program in the country with the constant injuries. Was really hoping that trend would turn around, but it's looking like no such luck. Bummed for the players who must hate this for sure. No kid wants to sit on the bench...

 

[Zanzman]

I always find it funny when fans think they are owed a reason

 

[Stagnant]

By using that reasoning, you open yourself up to criticism.

 

[huskeynut]

First, UConn doesn't owe fans an explanation.

A couple of games back, Sarah, Azzi and Kayleigh were the 3 at the post game presser. All 3 were coughing and sneezing. We all know this has been a bad flu season, even here in Florida. Very possible she is run down battling a bug.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

Didn’t want to start another thread:
Live Stats &1:

• 2/7/2026: Butler at UConn

&1 Live Stats for yet-to-be-played games are available via this schedule.

• The link is removed for played games.
• The schedule links are useful as to when pre-published links don’t work (as the case was for MI and Utah) as the game is in-progress.

Good stress-test (how will the team fare without Sarah) today. Opportunity for the players go through this exercise for real.

 

[#1Genofan]

Sarah had a bad cough after the last game. Or so I thought.

She also looked to be a little beaten up the last few games. Against Tennessee, she took herself out of the game after only 2-3 minutes and appeared to be holding her chest. She came back after only about a minute, but still, she's been their main rebounder for most of the season. (Of course the announcers didn't seem to notice any of that.)

 

[HuskyNan]

Geez at least make something up say out with a sore ankle? We get it this current BE and managing the roster but young fans aren’t going to be too happy going to the game to see Sarah Strong. Certainly understand both sides to it, do what you gotta to be at our best in March.

Hopefully this doesn’t affect Strong in getting POY award this will get online backlash from the anti UConn crowd. I’m sure there will be a voter who will give this reason for not voting for Strong it’s ridiculous but it does give them ammo.

None of that is as important as Sarah’s health.

The flu was going through the team last week. This could be the same. Even the aftermath of the flu can leave a person exhausted

 

[reelfan]

WHO says 14 players is too many ?

 

[HuskyNan]

I don't see any issue with UConn using rest as the reason. I think it would be smart to get each of them time off if possible. Bodies take a beating and I feel like each player gives it everything she can and sacrifice their bodies diving all over the court.

Mental fatigue is a thing, too. A lot of people forget that the players have academic demands, too

 

[hoopsfan22]

WHO says 14 players is too many ?

They have 15 after adding Heckel.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

No, no they don't. It's not anyone's business, regardless of injury, or just rest.

It's nobody's business? Really? You gonna have players sit like in the NBA with "rest" as the reason given from now on?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

First, UConn doesn't owe fans an explanation.

A couple of games back, Sarah, Azzi and Kayleigh were the 3 at the post game presser. All 3 were coughing and sneezing. We all know this has been a bad flu season, even here in Florida. Very possible she is run down battling a bug.

You are speculating. UConn said nothing about Strong being ill.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

None of that is as important as Sarah’s health.

The flu was going through the team last week. This could be the same. Even the aftermath of the flu can leave a person exhausted

Then why did UConn not say she's under the weather or ill?

"Rest" is an inane reason and to my knowledge never used in college sports.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Load management? She's played 140 fewer minutes than Madison Booker.

 

[HuskyNan]

You are speculating. UConn said nothing about Strong being ill.

You seem inordinately upset about Sarah’s rest day

 

[Cornell Lt]

People who think Geno or the University needs to provide more information on Sarah's absence need to get a grip. To be honest about it ..the bottom line is that it's none of your business why Sarah is out.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

You seem inordinately upset about Sarah’s rest day

We're now doing rest days in college basketball? That what you're saying? And you're okay with that?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

People who think Geno or the University needs to provide more information on Sarah's absence need to get a grip. To be honest about it ..the bottom line is that it's none of your business why Sarah is out.

That's not how things work. Players don't miss games and have the school say it's none of your business. That's why reasons are given.

 

[Stagnant]

Load management? She's played 140 fewer minutes than Madison Booker.

Exactly, so why is she resting?

 

[HuskyNan]

We're now doing rest days in college basketball? That what you're saying? And you're okay with that?

If Geno and/or the trainer thinks she needs a day off, I’m 100% fine with it