Paige Bueckers’ career-defining performance in the UConn Huskies’ 82-59 Sweet 16 victory over Oklahoma earned her a raucous ovation from the nearly 2,700-mile-away Spokane arena crowd. The senior point guard scored a career-best 40 points, including nearly half of them in the fourth quarter, where she outscored the entire Oklahoma team 19-13.
Coach Geno Auriemma was impressed with Bueckers’ display, saying it was “as good as I’ve seen her play the whole time.” However, he also knows that greatness is not just about individual achievements but rather about making a collective impact on the game. Bueckers has been working tirelessly to overcome injuries and ailments that have hampered her career over the past five years.
Auriemma emphasized the importance of Bueckers taking ownership of her game, particularly in high-stakes moments. “You’re going to have to get it now, or it won’t be available anymore,” he said. This mindset shift has led to Bueckers playing with a newfound level of urgency and poise, showcasing her skills in the most crucial moments.
As the Huskies advance to the Elite Eight, UConn fans are eager to see if Bueckers will continue to lead her team to victory. With her exceptional performance, she has cemented her place as one of the greatest players in UConn history.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6241129/2025/03/29/paige-bueckers-uconn-40-points-sweet-16