UConn Women Open Exhibition Schedule Against Syracuse

UConn women's basketball opened its exhibition schedule against Syracuse on Monday evening at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, giving Geno Auriemma's team an early test before the 2026-27 season through a non-counting game that evaluated preparation and player availability.

According to sports.yahoo.com, the matchup featured the Huskies against a former Big East rival after UConn defeated Syracuse 98-45 in the NCAA Tournament last season. The exhibition result did not count toward either team's record.

The game was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and was broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston, while UConn+ provided a free stream and UConn Sports Network carried the radio broadcast, according to sports.yahoo.com.

UConn entered the exhibition with several players being monitored. According to sports.yahoo.com, Blanca Quiñonez, Marine Dursus and Allie Ziebell were limited participants during Saturday's open practice, while Morgan Cheli was expected to make her first appearance in around 20 months.

Auriemma, who was beginning his 42nd season leading UConn, discussed the role of exhibition games before the opener against Syracuse.

"Exhibitions are weird. You're basically playing a glorified practice game against other people rather than the people you normally practice against. But you're working on how you prepare for regular games, staying over (the night before), shootaround, the whole game-day experience, and all that." said Geno Auriemma, head coach.

According to sports.yahoo.com, Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack brought her team close against UConn two seasons earlier in Storrs, when the Orange cut the margin to two points in the final two minutes before losing 72-64.

UConn had won 15 straight meetings against Syracuse this decade under Auriemma, with only one other game decided by single digits, according to sports.yahoo.com. The Huskies also lost their first seven meetings with Syracuse beginning in 1980 before Auriemma recorded his first road win against the Orange in 1990.