Spokane, Washington - In a thrilling match that showcased her remarkable talent, Paige Bueckers delivered a career-high 40 points, leading the University of Connecticut (UConn) to an emphatic 82-59 victory over Oklahoma in the Elite Eight of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Saturday. This stunning performance helped UConn overcome a challenging first-half deficit, transforming a close contest into a commanding win.
After trailing 36-32 at halftime, Bueckers erupted for 29 points in the second half. Her scoring spree included matching her career best with six three-pointers, culminating in a personal 10-0 run during the fourth quarter. With just over three minutes left in the game, Bueckers exited the court with UConn leading 80-51, having firmly established her dominance on the court.
“Obviously, Paige was spectacular,” said UConn coach Geno Auriemma. “That was as good a game as I’ve seen her play the whole time she’s been here, at the most important time.” Auriemma praised Bueckers for stepping up when it mattered most, highlighting her leadership as a senior.
The second-seeded Huskies improved their record to 34-3 and extended their winning streak to 13 games. UConn is now set to face the winner of the match between Southern California and Kansas State in the regional final on Monday. The team is on a quest to secure its twelfth national championship, a title they last won in 2016.
Ashlynn Shade contributed significantly with 12 points, while Sarah Strong recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The Huskies have reached the Elite Eight for the 18th time in the last 19 seasons, demonstrating their historical strength in women's college basketball.
The third-seeded Oklahoma Sooners, with a record of 27-8, made a commendable run to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. Payton Verhulst led the Sooners with 16 points but expressed disappointment over the loss. “This loss sucks, it should hurt… but I think the biggest message is that they started this culture at Oklahoma,” Verhulst said, reflecting on the team's growth and potential.
The game began with Oklahoma racing to an early 8-0 lead, but Bueckers quickly turned the tide with a three-pointer that sparked an 11-0 run for UConn. By the end of the first quarter, the Huskies led 17-12. However, Verhulst responded with a series of shots that allowed the Sooners to regain the lead at 29-23 before halftime.
After the intermission, Bueckers came out firing, scoring eight quick points to regain control for UConn. Her impressive fast-break layup and subsequent three-pointer solidified the Huskies' advantage, ultimately leading to a comfortable victory.
Bueckers, who previously guided UConn to last year's Final Four, remains focused on the team's championship aspirations. “Everybody at this point of the season is trying to keep winning, to win a national title,” she stated. “You want to stay in one game at a time, one practice at a time, one possession at a time.”
With this outstanding performance, Bueckers not only surpassed Tina Charles to claim fourth place on UConn’s all-time scoring list but also solidified her legacy as one of the most influential players in women's college basketball history. After enduring an injury-plagued two seasons, Bueckers' resurgence is a testament to her resilience and skill.
