SPOKANE, Wash. — Ahead of UConn’s Sweet 16 matchup against Oklahoma, LSU star Flau’jae Johnson found herself torn over who to support. While she wanted to back a fellow SEC team, her offseason workouts with Paige Bueckers made it hard to bet against the UConn superstar.
Johnson ultimately chose the Huskies, and her instincts proved correct. UConn dominated Oklahoma 82-59, with Bueckers delivering a historic 40-point performance.
“I just feel like they’re playing their best basketball right now. There’s nobody that can stop them,” Johnson said. “But they are playing an SEC team, so I have to go with the SEC. Well … I’m a Paige fan. I love Paige, and I’m always hoping that she does the best she can. I just feel like they’re playing great right now.”
Johnson and Bueckers first met during the 2023 offseason while coaching at the Overtime Select WBB Takeover, a showcase featuring top-ranked recruits. Bueckers’ team defeated Johnson’s that year and repeated the feat, albeit in a closer contest, at the 2024 event in August. The two also shared courtside seats at the WNBA All-Star Game in July, further strengthening their connection.
With Bueckers leading UConn on a dominant tournament run, Johnson’s faith in her friend’s abilities seems well-placed.
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