SPOKANE, Wash. -- In a stunning display of talent and determination, Paige Bueckers scored a career-high 40 points, leading the UConn Huskies to an impressive 82-59 victory over Oklahoma in the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA tournament. This performance not only propelled the Huskies to the Elite Eight but also marked a significant turning point as Bueckers overcame a sluggish first half where UConn trailed 36-33 at halftime.
After a challenging first half, Bueckers took full control of the game, outscoring the Sooners 29-23 in the second half. Her remarkable effort made her the first player in UConn women's basketball history to score 40 points in an NCAA tournament game. Previously, she had set her career-best at 34 points during UConn's second-round victory over South Dakota State, which occurred in her final home game at Gampel Pavilion.
Bueckers matched her career high by sinking six 3-pointers, two of which came during a personal 10-0 run in the fourth quarter. With just 3:06 left in the game and UConn leading 80-51, Bueckers exited the court to a standing ovation. Over the past two games, she has accumulated a staggering 74 points, marking the second-highest total in a two-game span in the NCAA tournament over the last 25 years, trailing only Caitlin Clark's 82 points for Iowa in the 2023 Elite Eight and Final Four, according to ESPN Research.
"That was as good a game as I've seen her play the whole time she's been here, at the most important time," said UConn coach Geno Auriemma. "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." The second-seeded Huskies, now boasting a record of 34-3 and winners of 13 consecutive games, are set to face the winner of the late game between USC and Kansas State in the regional final on Monday.
In addition to Bueckers' standout performance, Ashlynn Shade contributed 12 points and Sarah Strong added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. These contributions are vital as UConn seeks to extend its record by clinching a 12th national title. This victory marks the Huskies' fourth Elite Eight appearance in the last five years, although they have not claimed the championship since 2016.
"Honestly, we just wanted to keep our season going as long as possible," Bueckers reflected. "We all love playing together. We love playing here. We just love this program." Meanwhile, for third-seeded Oklahoma (27-8), Payton Verhulst led the team with 16 points, marking their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013. Historically, the Sooners have struggled against the Huskies, having never beaten them in a series that includes the 2002 national title game.
Bueckers' 40-point effort also elevated her past Tina Charles into fourth place on UConn's all-time career scoring list. The talented playmaking guard from Minnesota, known for her signature French braids, arrived at UConn in 2020 as the consensus national player of the year in her freshman year. Unfortunately, her subsequent seasons have been marred by injuries, including a torn ACL that sidelined her for the entire 2022-23 campaign.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
