UConn loses 39-game win streak to Michigan
The No. 2 Huskies fell 77-66 to No. 5 Michigan on Thursday, ending a regular-season run that lasted over a year.
By Jillian Foster ·
UConn women's basketball lost its 39-game regular-season winning streak on Thursday, falling 77-66 to Michigan at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. The defeat marks the first time the Huskies have lost in conference play since February 2025.
Michigan, which entered the game ranked No. 5, defeated the No. 2 Huskies in the first top-five matchup in program history at that venue. The win also ended a 31-game losing streak against top-four ranked opponents for the Wolverines, who previously lost to UConn in their first meeting last season.
The Huskies struggled against Michigan's zone defense, which disrupted their offensive rhythm. UConn committed double-digit turnovers before the 15-minute mark and was outscored 18-8 in the second quarter. The game featured nine ties and 14 lead changes, with Michigan maintaining a physical presence throughout all 40 minutes.
Reigning national player of the year Sarah Strong played a limited role due to foul trouble. She missed her only field goal attempt in the first quarter and sat on the bench for the entire second quarter. Strong fouled out with 18 seconds left in the game while UConn trailed by 10 points.
Freshman Jovana Popovic provided the primary offensive output for UConn, scoring a game-high 25 points. She maintained composure despite a hostile crowd, going on a scoring run to give the Huskies their first lead of the game. Popovic shot 6-of-8 from the field by the sixth minute of the third quarter.
Olivia Vukosa also contributed in the first half, hitting back-to-back baskets to tie the game at 2:25 in the second quarter. However, Michigan seized momentum late in the third quarter, scoring seven points in 55 seconds to take control of the game.
Morgan Cheli made her season debut in the game, having missed UConn's first two exhibitions and the season opener against Cornell. The redshirt sophomore played five minutes and recorded one rebound in her first game in 634 days.
UConn finishes the day with a 1-1 record, while Michigan improved to 1-0. The Huskies had all 13 players available for this contest.
