Spokane, Wash. — In a thrilling NCAA Tournament game, Paige Bueckers left the court to thunderous applause with just over three minutes remaining, demonstrating her undeniable impact on the match against Oklahoma. The cheers echoed throughout the arena, located nearly 2,700 miles from UConn's home court in Storrs, making it feel like a home game for the superstar. During the fourth quarter, Bueckers showcased her talent by outscoring the entire Oklahoma team, 19-13, and racking up nearly half of her career-best 40 points within that short span.
Bueckers’ remarkable performance marked a significant milestone in NCAA Tournament history, as she became the highest scorer in an NCAA Tournament game from UConn, a school known for producing basketball legends. After her stellar performance, she took a well-deserved seat on the bench, where head coach Geno Auriemma quipped, “Did you come out just to get that ovation, or were you tired?” Bueckers replied she was tired, but Auriemma, with a smirk, expressed his disbelief, showcasing his high expectations for his star player.
As the game concluded with a final score of 82-59, Auriemma congratulated Oklahoma's coach, Jennie Baranczyk, while clearly already strategizing for the upcoming Elite Eight. Known for his ability to quickly move past historic moments, Auriemma emphasized the importance of focusing on future challenges rather than dwelling on records.
Bueckers delivered one of her best games when it mattered most. While the UConn team shirts boasted “Nothing easy,” she made her shots appear effortless. Her ability to navigate through screens, sink 6 of 8 three-pointers, and dissect the Oklahoma defense was impressive. Despite a challenging first half, where she was held scoreless in the second quarter, Bueckers maintained her composure and poise.
Paige Bueckers' journey has been fraught with challenges, including significant injuries that have interrupted her career. Her freshman season was marred by the pandemic, with the NCAA Tournament held in a bubble devoid of fans. The following years were plagued by injuries, including a knee issue that sidelined her for half of her sophomore year and a torn ACL that kept her out entirely during her junior year.
Choosing UConn in 2020 amid immense media scrutiny, Bueckers was expected to elevate the program to its former glory. However, during her tenure, UConn faced a 14-year streak of missing the Final Four, and the program experienced back-to-back losses for the first time since 1993. As other teams rose to prominence, questions arose regarding UConn's national title drought that has extended since 2016. Bueckers has witnessed all of this firsthand, and her resilience is commendable.
As Bueckers continues to shine, she embodies the spirit of a player who understands the stakes. The urgency of her senior year is palpable, compelling her to seize every opportunity on the court. Coach Auriemma has emphasized the need for her to take on a more dominant role, encouraging her to embrace the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a senior leader.
“Little by little, it’s dawned on her that there is no next year,” Auriemma stated. “You’re going to have to get it now, or it won’t be available anymore.” As Bueckers prepares for potential future games, she has committed to taking over when necessary, shooting as much as needed, and savoring every moment in her final season as a UConn Husky.
Bueckers’ recent performance is not just a testament to her skill but also to her growth as a player. With UConn poised on the brink of another Final Four appearance, much of this potential success hinges on Bueckers’ ability to lead and elevate her game. The ovation she received was not only well-deserved but also a reflection of the journey she has taken and the bright future that lies ahead for both her and the UConn program.
As Auriemma wisely pointed out, “When you’re a senior and you’ve been around as long as she has, this is what you’re here to do. This is why you came here.” With the spotlight shining brighter than ever, Bueckers is ready to embrace her moment.
