The UConn women's basketball program will face its stiffest test in a string of three preseason exhibition games this month, hosting Texas at PeoplesBank Arena Monday evening.
Vic Schaefer joined Geno Auriemma in the 2026 Final Four with a talented Texas roster led by Madison Booker, Jordan Lee and Rori Harmon, and the Longhorns are once again expected to contend toward the top of college basketball this upcoming season.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Monday's matchup:
How to watch
Monday's game will be broadcast locally on WFSB Channel 3, a local CBS affiliate available in seven of Connecticut's eight counties, except Fairfield. Otherwise, fans can stream the WFSB broadcast on UConn+ or listen to the game over the radio on the UConn Sports Network.
Auriemma embraces 'non-threatening' challenge against Texas
Texas was one of the most dominant statistical teams in the nation last season despite playing in the ultra-talented SEC with a relentless focus on the interior, leading the country in 2-point field goals and opponent assist-to-turnover ratio as the No. 4 overall team in HerHoopStats' adjusted efficiency ratings. Leading scorer Madison Booker returns to Austin this season alongside several key contributors, and Auriemma looks forward to challenging his squad against a quality opponent without risking an early-season loss.
"You want to try to, most times anyway, get a team to play against that can challenge you in a lot of different areas, and I'm sure they're (Texas) thinking the same thing," Geno Auriemma said after practice Saturday. "You know, let's go play a team that will challenge us in different areas in a non-threatening situation. And you go to practice the following week, and you have a much clearer picture of what you want to work on. So, I think you're going to see more of these so-called high-profile exhibition games."
Injury update: Allie Ziebell to return
Three UConn players missed the first exhibition against Syracuse last week, and two members of this group, Blanca Quiñonez (shoulder) and Marine Dursus (foot), will remain sidelined against Texas. However, Auriemma said guard Allie Ziebell has recovered from her ankle injury and will play Monday.
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This article originally published at UConn women's basketball faces Texas in preseason exhibition: Live updates, analysis.