Quiñonez returns to UConn court as Big Three debut in 100-35 win over Cornell

Blanca Quiñonez returned to the court on Monday evening, ending a seven-month absence caused by shoulder surgery performed in May. The 6-foot-2 forward from Ecuador played 14 minutes and 43 seconds as the UConn women’s basketball team defeated Cornell 100-35.

The victory marked the official start of the 2026-27 season for the Huskies. It also served as the first on-court appearance for the trio of Sarah Strong, Jovana Popovic, and Quiñonez, a grouping that has drawn attention for its potential impact on the roster's depth and talent.

Quiñonez, who was limited by a minutes restriction, finished with four points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. She shot 1-for-4 from the field. Head Coach Geno Auriemma noted that the player appeared annoyed with her performance, citing rushed decisions that contrasted with her usual play.

“The things she was so good at last year, you saw some of those things,” Auriemma said. “And the things we're trying to slow her down a little bit, you saw some of the rushed stuff. That will change.”

The game against the overmatched Big East rival provided a controlled environment for the team to adjust. UConn led 23-3 after the first quarter and held a 46-13 advantage at halftime. The Huskies closed the contest with a 30-2 run in the fourth quarter.

Strong and Popovic each scored 19 points before sitting out the final period. Ten UConn players logged at least 13 minutes of playing time. Quiñonez entered the game with 5:50 remaining in the first quarter and scored her first points of the season via free throws shortly after checking in.

Last season, Quiñonez averaged 10.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 53.2 percent from the field. She earned Big East freshman of the year honors and was named to the all-conference second team despite missing eight games with injury.

Auriemma stated at Big East media day on October 1 that he would not be surprised if Quiñonez becomes a first-team All-American this season. UConn has achieved that distinction for two players in eight seasons, most recently in 2025-26 with Strong and Azzi Fudd.

The Huskies face No. 5 Michigan on Thursday, followed by a home game against No. 10 Iowa on Sunday at the newly renamed M&T Bank Center. Upcoming nonconference matchups include trips to Ohio State and Louisville and a game against top-ranked South Carolina at Mohegan Sun.

“When she and Sarah are on the floor together, there's a lot of chemistry between the two of them,” Auriemma said. “She gives us a different dimension.”