In Paige Bueckers’ final game at the place she’s called home for the past five years, UConn’s star senior delivered a stellar performance that fans won’t soon forget.
Bueckers put on a show for the Gampel Pavilion crowd, leading second-seeded Connecticut to a 91-57 rout of 10th-seeded South Dakota State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Bueckers scored 21 points in the first half — a career high for a half — to give UConn a comfortable 15-point lead at halftime.
Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts after a play against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. David Butler II-Imagn Images
She finished the night with 34 points, the most she’s scored in an NCAA Tournament game.
It was effortless dominance by Bueckers, who got it done in a variety of ways.
Pull-up jumpers.
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Turnaround fadeaways.
Textbook layups.
Step-back 3s.
Paige Bueckers #5 of the Connecticut Huskies drives against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Getty ImagesEach basket seemed more exciting than the last.
“You almost feel sorry for the other team because when Paige is locked in, there’s nothing you can do to stop her,” Azzi Fudd said. “It doesn’t matter what shot she takes, the ball is going to go in… She makes it look so easy.”
After her final bucket in the fourth quarter, which gave her a career-high-tying 34 points, she received a standing ovation from the crowd as she checked out for the final time.
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It was Bueckers’ sixth 25-point game in March Madness, which ties Maya Moore for the most by a UConn player in the last 25 years, according to ESPN.
“Obviously, Paige was Paige,” Geno Auriemma said. “And it’s a great way to finish your career at home. There’s no better way than with a game like that, a performance like that.”
The emotions still hadn’t quite hit Bueckers shortly after the game.
Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) drives the ball against South Dakota State Jackrabbits guard Madison Mathiowetz (3). David Butler II-Imagn ImagesShe reflected on the fact she started her college career with cardboard cutout fans filling the seats because of the pandemic.
Bueckers became the first freshman to be named National Player of the Year.
She overcame several injuries and has been to the Final Four every year she’s been healthy.
“It’s been a dream to play here, a dream to wear this uniform, a dream to play in this environment. And as much more times you want it to continue to happen, you just take every single chance you have and never take it for granted.”
Bueckers is guaranteed at least one more game as Connecticut heads to its 31st straight Sweet 16, but she and the rest of the Huskies have their sights set on winning the whole thing.
