UConn’s Paige Bueckers had a career-high 40 points in the No. 2 seed Huskies’ 82-59 win over Oklahoma in their Sweet 16 matchup. Bueckers, the presumptive top pick in next month’s WNBA draft, exploded for 29 second-half points and single-handedly outscored the Sooners to seal the victory.
The turning point came when Bueckers got back into her defensive mentality, and Oklahoma was unable to keep up with her. The Huskies’ defense held Oklahoma to just 23 points in the second half, while UConn’s offense fueled by its stingy defense outscored the Sooners 59-36.
Bueckers’ performance was not without its challenges. She had a slow first quarter and made several defensive miscues that helped Oklahoma take a 36-32 lead at halftime. However, she regrouped in the second half and took over, scoring 29 points to outscore Oklahoma’s entire team.
The win sets up UConn for their 18th Elite Eight appearance in the past 19 seasons, as they face off against USC on Monday. The Huskies’ victory was a testament to their teamwork and defensive prowess, with multiple players contributing to the effort.
Source: https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44460248/bueckers-scores-career-high-40-lead-one-woman-march-madness-rout-uconn-82-59-oklahoma