Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
SPOKANE, Wash. – In a display of unparalleled talent, Paige Bueckers delivered a career-defining 40-point performance, propelling the UConn Huskies into the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Bueckers’ scoring outburst rescued UConn from a sluggish first half against Oklahoma, transforming a closely contested matchup into a decisive 82-59 victory on Saturday.
Bueckers Erupts for Career-High to Lead UConn to Elite Eight
Fueled by a dominant second half, Paige Bueckers amassed 29 of her game-high points after halftime, spearheading the Huskies’ comeback after trailing 36-32 at the intermission. The senior guard and projected top WNBA draft pick surpassed her previous scoring record of 34 points, achieved earlier in the tournament against South Dakota State at Gampel Pavilion.
The electrifying Bueckers matched her personal best with six three-pointers, including two critical shots during a solo 10-0 scoring run in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory. With 3:06 remaining and UConn holding a commanding 80-51 lead, Bueckers exited the game to a standing ovation.
Coach Auriemma Praises Bueckers’ Spectacular Game
“Paige was truly spectacular tonight,” UConn head coach Geno Auriemma stated. “This ranks as one of the finest performances I have witnessed from her throughout her UConn career, especially considering the significance of the moment. As a seasoned senior, this is precisely the type of impact she is here to make. This is why she chose UConn.”
The second-seeded Huskies (34-3), currently on a 13-game winning streak, are set to clash with the winner of the Southern California versus Kansas State game in the regional final on Monday.
Huskies Aim for 12th National Championship
Ashlynn Shade contributed 12 points, while Sarah Strong posted 11 points and 11 rebounds for UConn. The Huskies are striving to extend their record with a 12th national championship title. This marks their 18th Elite Eight appearance in the last 19 seasons, although the program’s last national title under Auriemma was in 2016.
“Our primary desire is to prolong our season for as long as possible,” Bueckers expressed. “We cherish playing together as a team and representing this program.”
Oklahoma’s Sweet Sixteen Run Ends
Payton Verhulst led the scoring for third-seeded Oklahoma (27-8) with 16 points. The Sooners, making their first Sweet Sixteen appearance since 2013, have yet to secure a victory against the Huskies in their program history, a series that includes the 2002 national championship game.
“I conveyed to our seniors that while this defeat is painful and evokes heartbreak, they should also recognize that they initiated a significant cultural shift at Oklahoma,” Verhulst remarked.
Game Highlights: From Close Contest to UConn Domination
Oklahoma initiated the game with an 8-0 advantage. UConn’s first score came from a Bueckers’ three-pointer just over three minutes into the game, igniting an 11-0 UConn surge. The Huskies concluded the first quarter with a 17-12 lead.
Verhulst connected on a long-range three-pointer, briefly reclaiming the lead for the Sooners at 24-23. She followed up with a jump shot and another three-pointer, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 29-23. Verhulst scored 13 points in the second quarter alone.
A three-pointer by Reyna Scott in the final moments of the half secured a four-point lead for the Sooners heading into halftime.
Emerging from the break, Bueckers – who guided UConn to the Final Four last year – asserted her intent to continue her collegiate journey, scoring eight quick points in the third quarter to regain the lead for the Huskies.
A fast-break layup by Bueckers widened the gap to 48-40, and from that point forward, UConn maintained control, entering the final quarter with a 59-46 advantage.
Bueckers further extended UConn’s lead with another deep three-pointer, making it 62-46 and effectively putting the game out of reach for Oklahoma. Despite the comfortable margin, she persisted in scoring, sending a clear message about the Huskies’ championship aspirations.
“At this stage of the season, every team is striving to continue winning and ultimately capture the national title,” Bueckers stated. “Everyone shares the same objective. Whether your season or your career is nearing its end, the focus remains on approaching each game, each practice, and each possession with maximum effort, without getting ahead of ourselves.”
Bueckers Ascends UConn’s Scoring Ranks
With her stellar performance, Bueckers surpassed Tina Charles to secure the fourth position on UConn’s all-time scoring list.
Bueckers’ Journey to Stardom
The Minnesota native, known for her signature French braids, arrived at UConn in 2020 and earned consensus national player of the year honors as a freshman. However, injuries curtailed her subsequent two seasons, including missing the entire 2022-23 season due to a torn ACL.