Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies are hitting their stride at the perfect moment as the regular season nears its climax. With everything clicking into place, they seem determined to wipe away the disappointment of last year when Iowa knocked them out in the final four!

The buzz around the Huskies has only intensified since their statement-making 87-58 demolition of the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks. When two absolute powerhouses clash, you are bound to generate interest among fans.

ESPN reported that the showdown between the Huskies and Gamecocks drew a massive audience, peaking at 2.2 million viewers with an average of 1.8 million. That staggering number cements it as the third most-watched women’s college basketball game in ESPN history!

UConn’s dominant run hasn’t just reignited their championship hopes, it’s also earned Geno Auriemma a well-deserved spot among the 15 coaches on the Naismith Coach of the Year watch list which includes Kim Caldwell (Tennessee), Kenny Brooks (Kentucky), Mark Campbell (TCU), Cori Close (UCLA), Nell Fortner (Ga. Tech), Lindsay Gottlieb (USC), Niele Ivey (Notre Dame), Kevin McGuff (Ohio State), Jeff Mittie (Kansas State), Wes Moore (NC State), Kim Mulkey (LSU), Shea Ralph (Vanderbilt), Vic Schaefer (Texas) and Dawn Staley (South Carolina).

However, Geno Auriemma knows better than anyone that the job is far from done! Keeping his key players healthy will be crucial if UConn wants to make a serious championship push. Up next, the Huskies face another test as they look to keep their momentum rolling. Let’s dive into their upcoming matchups.

What’s next for Auriemma and Co.

Next up, the Huskies head to New Jersey for a battle against the Seton Hall Pirates at Walsh Gymnasium on February 20th. Riding the high of their biggest win of the season and with four wins in their last five games, Geno Auriemma will be confident of coming away with a victory.

The Pirates may have won three of their last five games, but the odds are heavily stacked against them. ESPN gives UConn a staggering 98.8% chance to come away with the win, which is quite natural for a team who are still unbeaten in the Big East conference with a 14-0 record!

Faith Masonius has been the heart and soul of Seton Hall this season, averaging an impressive 15.7 points per game. If the Pirates have any shot at an upset, she’ll need to be at her absolute best. But the Huskies did manage to keep her in check the last time these two teams faced each other. They were able to hold her to just eight points on a brutal 3-of-15 shooting night.

Times are good for Geno Auriemma! He’s on the Naismith Coach of the Year shortlist, and 2.2 million people tuned in to watch his team dominate South Carolina. But with the postseason looming, his focus remains locked on keeping the Huskies sharp for the battles ahead.