UConn women beat Cornell 100-35 as freshmen Popovic and Dursus lead

UConn women beat Cornell 100-35 as freshmen Popovic and Dursus lead

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Jovana Popovic and Marine Dursus spark UConn’s dominant season opener

Jovana Popovic matched Sarah Strong for a game-high 19 points on Monday night, leading the UConn women’s basketball team to a 100-35 victory over Cornell at the PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. The performance from the Serbian freshman served as a centerpiece for a season opener that signaled a successful integration of new international talent into the Huskies’ roster, CT Insider reported.

The Huskies’ opening win was characterized by significant depth and defensive pressure, allowing them to blow the game open early. While the final score reflected a massive margin, the individual contributions of the incoming freshmen provided the most immediate insight into UConn’s championship aspirations for the 2026-27 season. Popovic, a 5-foot-9 guard, was remarkably efficient, making 8 of 12 field goal attempts, including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, while adding three rebounds, one assist, and three steals without committing a single turnover.

The international influx at UConn extends beyond Popovic. Marine Dursus, a 5-10 guard from France, contributed 11 points to the scoring effort. Although Dursus struggled with three traveling violations, she showed significant efficiency from the perimeter, shooting 3 for 4 from three-point range during her time on the floor. According to reports from both CT Insider and TheHour, Dursus is adjusting to the physicality of the American game after being sidelined by a foot injury that head coach Geno Auriemma joked she brought with her in her suitcase from France.

Geno Auriemma finds success with international recruiting strategy

The immediate impact of these players validates a highly selective recruiting process. Coach Auriemma has historically been cautious about bringing international players into the program, but the performance of Popovic and Dursus suggests the Huskies have once again found high-level talent that fits their system. Auriemma noted that Popovic’s composure and control of the game were evident from the start, reminding observers of her previous status as a league MVP in Serbia.

UConn women beat Cornell 100-35 as freshmen Popovic and Dursus lead
Photo: thehour.com

“You watch Jovana play, and it’s not hard to see why she was the MVP of her league (in Serbia) at a young age,” Auriemma said. “She does a lot of things on the floor. When she shoots it, I think it’s going in every time, and she has great control of the game with the ball in her hands.”

The transition to American college basketball is rarely seamless, particularly regarding the pace and officiating. Dursus, who had only participated in about eight full practices prior to the opener, faced the learning curve of American court movement, evidenced by her traveling errors. However, Auriemma expressed confidence in her ability to score and adapt to the physical demands of the game.

The roster’s international composition is further bolstered by a diverse group of sophomores, including Blanca Quinonez from Ecuador, Gandy Malou-Mamel from Ireland, and Jana El Alfy from Egypt. This global makeup appears to be fostering a unique sense of chemistry within the locker room. Dursus noted that the transition felt more about adapting to teammates than adjusting to a new country, stating that the fundamental requirement of basketball—adapting to the team—remains constant regardless of geography.

The statistical breakdown of the Huskies’ scoring leaders

The Huskies’ offensive explosion was driven by several players reaching double digits. While Popovic and Strong led the charge, the team’s ability to distribute scoring across the roster was a primary factor in the 65-point margin of victory.

Geno Auriemma: UConn women's basketball postgame press conference (Cornell) – 11/2/26
Player Points Scored Notable Stat
Sarah Strong 19 Game-high scoring tie
Marine Dursus 11 3-of-4 from 3-point range

Popovic has established a high floor for her freshman season, having scored in double figures in every game she has played for the Huskies this year, including exhibition matchups against Texas and Syracuse. While Auriemma cautioned that maintaining such high-level production for a five-month season is unlikely, he acknowledged that her ability to manage the game makes her a difficult matchup for opponents.

The success of this recruiting class places immediate pressure on the rest of the roster to maintain the chemistry required for a deep postseason run. As the team moves past the season opener, the focus will likely shift to how these international pieces integrate with the returning core, particularly as the physicality of the schedule increases.

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