Paige Bueckers’ quest for an NCAA title is still alive after UConn’s commanding 85-51 victory over top-seeded UCLA in the Final Four. Though Bueckers had a relatively modest game with 16 points, her teammates Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong stepped up, combining for 41 points. UConn’s defense was stifling, forcing 19 turnovers and tallying 13 steals while shooting 55% from the field.
Fudd praised the team’s unselfishness: “We move the ball well, play team defense, and anyone can be the scorer. That’s our strength.”
With the win, legendary coach Geno Auriemma, in his 40th season, has guided UConn to its 13th championship game appearance. They’ll face South Carolina in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2022 title game, the only one Auriemma has lost.
In the locker room, Bueckers told her teammates, “We’ve got one more level to reach. Sunday’s game is everything 40 minutes to leave it all out there.”
Game Highlights:
Sarah Strong led UConn with 22 points and 8 rebounds.
Azzi Fudd added 19 points in a strong shooting night.
Paige Bueckers contributed 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists.
UCLA’s Lauren Betts was a lone bright spot, scoring 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting.
UConn dominated each quarter, building a 20-point halftime lead and never looking back. Their suffocating defense and relentless offense left UCLA scrambling.
What’s Next:
UConn takes on South Carolina on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, with both teams seeking another championship. South Carolina looks to become the first repeat champion since UConn’s own 2013–2016 run, while UConn eyes a 12th national title under Auriemma.
Notable Stats:
Bueckers averages 20.1 PPG this season on 54.3% shooting.
Freshman Sarah Strong is putting up 16.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Azzi Fudd continues her comeback season after an ACL injury, making a major impact in March Madness.
UConn, now 35-3 on the season, seems to be peaking at the perfect time, with their full lineup healthy and clicking just in time for the biggest game of the year.
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