UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with high expectations and she has more than delivered.
In UConn’s Sweet Sixteen victory over Oklahoma on March 29, Bueckers put on a stellar performance, scoring a career-high 40 points. This came on the heels of a 34-point effort in the second round, reinforcing her dominance. Her standout play has propelled UConn into the Elite Eight, where they will face a formidable USC squad, even without star sophomore JuJu Watkins, who is sidelined with an ACL injury.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb shared her thoughts on Bueckers’ impact during a media session on March 30.
“Paige has been an incredible player for years,” Gottlieb said, as quoted by @aysiacchanell on X.
“She plays with efficiency scoring, passing, moving off the ball, and involving her teammates.”
However, what stands out most to Gottlieb is Bueckers’ heightened sense of urgency. “She’s always played with intensity, but now you can see it in her expression. There’s no more waiting she knows it has to happen now,” she explained. “She’s a senior chasing her ultimate goal, and she’s playing at an elite level.”
Gottlieb also acknowledged the challenge of defending UConn’s well-rounded offense, which makes it difficult to focus solely on stopping Bueckers.
Her comments highlight just how determined Bueckers is to capture a national championship before her college career comes to an end.
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