A strange tip from coach Geno Auriemma was all Azzi Fudd needed. The advice helped Fudd lead UConn to a 53-point victory against Syracuse in her final home game in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Fudd scored 26 points in the first half, as coach Geno Auriemma's advice to "trim her nails" worked wonders for her shooting against Syracuse.

"I did, I trimmed them. I had a nail file yesterday before practice, I guess [Auriemma] was right, I had to cut my nails," Azzi Fudd told ESPN's Holly Rowe postgame.

Fudd matched her career high of 34 points in her final home game, which was fueled by eight shots from beyond the arc on 8-11 shooting.

"My teammates were finding me, setting great screens.. I wasn't even thinking. I was open -- so shoot it," added Azzi Fudd.

This has been a statement season for Fudd after spending most of the last two seasons on the sideline thanks to knee injuries.

The "People's Princess" has averaged a career-best 17.7 points per game, shooting 45% from three-point range, making her one of the most efficient shooters in the country.

Adding in her nominations as the frontrunner for every major National Player of the Year honour this season, and you can see why Azzi Fudd is projected to be the No.1 pick in this year's WNBA Draft, overtaking other strong candidates such as Awa Fam and Lauren Betts.

Geno Auriemma called it the "best performance he has seen in a long time." UConn now heads into its 32nd consecutive Sweet Sixteen matchup in tournament history, where it will be facing North Carolina for just the second time.

Azzi Fudd's Emotional Goodbye to UConn After Final Home Game

With her time as a Husky ending, Fudd reflected on her five years with the program after her final home game.

“Tonight was really special. It wasn't about me. It was about this team, and we played really good team basketball tonight. The crowd was incredible as it is every night, but to have one last night here to soak this in, embrace it, enjoy it.” Fudd told Rowe.

Azzi Fudd also credited her teammates and family for their support through her past injuries.

“The circle around me: my teammates, support staff, coaches, my family, really leaning into my faith. All those things, being able to keep me grounded, keep me motivated, and staying humble.” Fudd added.

Now, the UConn legend looks to cement her legacy by winning back-to-back national championships. Do you think she'll do it? Tell us in the comments section.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi