How fatigue has caused UConn women’s recent deflate

The Huskies returned both Azzi Fudd (knee) and Geno Auriemma (personal absence) and looked like they had turned the corner after starting the season again boggled down by injuries and absences. UConn shot a season-high 62.3 percent from the field against the Red Storm that January night in Elmont, NY

Yet, when the teams met again Tuesday night in Hartford, it was an opposite scene.

The No. 4-ranked Huskies fell 69-64 to St. John’s thanks to a season-low 35.5 field goal percentage. Fudd was back on the bench dressed in street clothes, coming out indefinitely after reinjuring his knee. St. John’s outplayed the Huskies in nearly every facet, including its bench outscoring UConn’s 29-3.

UConn point guard Nika Mühl said the team had emotions of “anger, embarrassment and disappointment” after the game.

UConn’s spot atop the Big East standings and its possibility of becoming a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament is now at risk with only two regular-season games final (Saturday at DePaul, Monday against Xavier).