Paige Bueckers scored a career-high 34 points as the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies defeated 10-seed South Dakota State 91-57 in their second-round NCAA tournament game. The performance capped off Bueckers’ impressive five-year college career at Gampel Pavilion, where she made her final start.
The three-time All-American and WNBA draft pick led the Huskies to a convincing win, joining Maya Moore as the only UConn players to score multiple 30-point games in the NCAA tournament. Her team’s effort was complemented by a strong defensive performance, which forced 14 turnovers in the first half and held the Jackrabbits to just 41% shooting.
Bueckers’ final game on campus was a fitting sendoff for her college career, which has been marked by incredible growth and success. The Huskies will now face No. 3 seed Oklahoma in the Sweet 16, seeking their 16th Final Four appearance in 17 years and 12th national title.
Coach Geno Auriemma praised Bueckers’ performance, saying it was a “great way to finish your career at home” and that she embodied her team’s spirit.
Source: https://www.espn.com.au/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44394892/paige-bueckers-uconn-huskies-win-cruise-sweet-16