Top-ranked UConn extended their winning streak to 34 straight games on Thursday night.

Making a dominant 99-50 win against Villanova. While Sarah Strong's stats lead to 24-point grabbing headlines. But it was the Huskies' junior point guard who caught everyone's attention. And also including head coach Geno Auriemma. 

After the victory, Auriemma praised Arnold's unique presence to the undefeated Huskies. "She is an energy giver, and you can plug into her; she's like a battery, and everybody else feeds off of it,"

Auriemma said postgame. "Every team needs that, and she inspires other people to be like that."​

Arnold has been the key player in helping UConn remain  No. 1 team in the AP Poll. And now sitting at 18-0 overall and 9-0 in Big East play.

Thursday night proved no different. Midway through the second quarter, Arnold found herself spotting up on the 3-point line with two defenders in front of her. And neither of them paying her much attention.

She made them pay, draining the triple to spark the Huskies.

KK Arnold Shines in Front of Her Idol

The junior guard delivered a season-high 13 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting while tying her career-high with seven assists. She also snatched four steals and committed just one turnover in 22 minutes of action.​

Maybe it was the pregame hug from Moriah Jefferson, Arnold's all-time favorite Husky, or the electric atmosphere surrounding the Huskies of Honor induction ceremony for the 2015 and 2016 national championship teams. 

Also the star of the night were those nine former players from those title-winning squads who attended, including Jefferson herself.​

Whatever the inspiration was, Arnold kept locked in from the opening tip off. On one sequence, she picked off a lazy Villanova pass and exploded down the court for a steal-and-score layup. 

Arnold flexed as teammates rushed to celebrate while the Wildcats called a timeout. And that moment captured her energy.

But also Strong was unstoppable across the game. Making 24 points, nine rebounds, five blocks in just 28 minutes. Alos Azzi Fudd chipped in 14 points. While Blanca added 13. Also, Ashlynn Shade set a career-high with five assists. All 11 Huskies scored against Villanova.​

But next up is a marquee MLK Day showdown against Notre Dame. And it will be great to watch KK Arnold's dominance against the most anticipated game this week.

Written by

Ishika Ghosh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu