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STORRS, Conn. — UConn basketball coach Geno Auriemma thought he had put together the pieces to make a strong run at a 12th national championship this season. Even after losing a potential starter in 6-foot-5 Egyptian national star Jana El Alfy to an offseason Achilles injury, his Huskies were loaded with talent. Former national player of the year Paige Bueckers returned after knee injuries to join stars Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards and Connecticut started the season ranked No. 2. But the now-No. 17 Huskies (5-3) have struggled both on and off the court with new injuries, poor play and Auriemma has seen his team fall both in the rankings and self-confidence. On Sunday, the Huskies face No. 24 North Carolina in the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena.
