UConn's undefeated season dissolves into tears, tension thanks to South Carolina

PHOENIX ― Azzi Fudd's prolonged silence after losing her final game at UConn, 62-48, held more weight than any words she could ever utter in a Huskies uniform. Fudd and a now-defeated UConn are going back to Storrs, Connecticut, without a trophy. On Friday, with every bounce and roll off the rim, the basketball, which carried the Huskies' hopes and dreams of a perfect season, ripped away a 13th championship.

For Fudd, it was a gut-wrenching end to an underwhelming NCAA Tournament run and a resilient college career. "A lot of emotions," Fudd said about hearing the final buzzer and realizing she will never play in a UConn jersey again. Before she could say another word, she paused to gather herself, but the emotions pushed past her restraint and usually calm exterior.

Her face quickly reddened, and the tears welled up in her eyes before falling, seemingly holding every UConn memory from the last five seasons. Fudd's voice was notably shaky when she spoke next, despite a comforting hand from head coach Geno Auriemma. "I mean, obviously, this isn't how I wanted my career at UConn to end.

These five years, I have so much to be grateful for. I couldn't have asked for better teammates, better coaches, a better experience. ...