Congratulations are in order for University of Connecticut women's basketball stars KK Arnold and Sarah Strong, who are both on the watchlist for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

The award finalists were named on Tuesday afternoon. 

Here's what you need to know.

A junior from Wisconsin, Arnold was an integral part of the team's national championship run in 2024-25. She played in all 40 games last season and has started all 20 this season. Playing more than 24 minutes per game, she's averaging 7.2 ppg to go along with 4.5 assists and 2.7 steals.

One of the best overall players in the nation, she's also in the mix for the National Player of the Year award as a sophomore. A second-team All-American a season ago, she's averaging 18.9 ppg, which leads the Big East. On top of that, she's averaging 3.6 steals a game - which also leads the conference. She's also putting up 1.6 blocks per game and 8.2 rebounds. And remember, given the nature of UConn's 21-0 season, she's only playing 27.4 minutes per game. If the group were playing closer games, she'd have more minutes and more chances to accumulate stats.

The Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award is presented annually to the top defensive player in women's college basketball, with the winner announced during the NCAA Women's Final Four. The watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in March, followed by four finalists announced in early April. The winner will be revealed at the Final Four, capping a season-long evaluation of the nation's premier defenders.

The UConn women will take on Xavier on Wednesday night inside Big East play. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at Gampel Pavilion. The first 600 fans will receive a Geno Auriemma bobblehead and legend Aaliyah Edwards will be inducted into the Huskies of Honor before the game.

--The UConn men's basketball team beat Providence on Tuesday night, though it was difficult. Playing without freshman Braylon Edwards, the No. 2 Huskies won 87-81, the second tough battle with the Friars in the last few weeks.

--UConn hockey alum Tage Thompson will lace up his skates for Team USA at the upcoming Winter Olympics. It will be his first Olympic appearance and the U.S. enter as one of the gold medal favorites. You can check out the Team USA schedule and how to watch Thompson here.

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