Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies suffered their first defeat of the 2026-27 season, falling 77-66 to No. 5 Michigan on Thursday night. The No. 2-ranked Huskies entered the matchup looking to extend their impressive winning streak, but the Wolverines dominated.
The result ended UConn’s 39-game regular-season winning streak, which dated back to February 2025. UConn struggled with foul trouble, particularly with reigning national player of the year Sarah Strong spending much of the first half on the bench. Strong fouled out in the final minute, ending all hope for the Huskies.
Advertisement
UConn started the season with a 100-35 win over Cornell, which made their meltdown against Michigan even more surprising. UConn fans didn’t take the loss lightly and took to social media to express their frustration.
“Fire Geno,” a fan wrote.
“Geno trying to teach lessons instead of winning this game,” a fan wrote.
“if ur a center/5 that cares about ur development do NOT go to geno auriemma he dk what to do w that,” a fan wrote.
“Worst game I’ve ever seen Geno coach. Lol,” a fan wrote.
“Idk why Geno insists on playing heckel,” a fan wrote.
“Geno really should have hung it up after 2025,” a fan wrote.
“How does Geno see something work and not go back to it? I’m confused,” a fan wrote.
“Geno losing this game for UConn, no reason you still have heckel in the game,” a fan wrote.
Only two UConn players scored in double digits. Jovana Popovic led the team with 25 points, shooting 10-of-15 from the field, with seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Advertisement
Before fouling out, Sarah Strong scored 13 points, shooting 5-of-11 from the field, with eight rebounds and two assists.
The Huskies will face the No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday.
Geno Auriemma on the Growth of Women’s Basketball
The last few years were great for women’s basketball. On Front Office Sports Tonight, Geno Auriemma was recently asked about the biggest difference between the modern era and the ’80s.
“A big difference is the amount of exposure that they’ve already gotten before they even get to college,” he said. “The amount of people in their orbit, in 1985 it was you, your parents, and your high school coach.”
Advertisement
Auriemma said players now make a lot of money to play the sport, which has also made a big difference.
Read More:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
