INDIANAPOLIS — In a dominant performance, Paige Bueckers delivered 23 points and 10 assists while Sarah Strong contributed 16 points and nearly a double-double with nine rebounds to help the No. 5 UConn Huskies secure an 86-47 victory against Butler on Saturday.
Ashlynn Shade recorded 14 points and along with Bueckers’ three steals, the Huskies improved their record to 26-3 overall and a perfect 16-0 in conference play. This win marked their fifth consecutive victory following a setback against then No. 19 Tennessee. They have now won 16 out of their last 17 games since an early-season defeat to then No. 7 Southern California, putting them one win away from clinching yet another outright regular-season conference title.
Kilyn McGuff and Lily Zeinstra each scored 13 points for Butler, which hosted its first-ever sold-out women’s game at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Interestingly, McGuff’s father, Kevin, who is the head coach at Ohio State, was present for the match.
Despite a passionate crowd supporting them, the Bulldogs (15-15, 5-12) extended their winless streak against UConn to 0-8. The game unfolded as a one-sided affair right from the start.
UConn made an explosive start, finishing the first quarter with a 17-3 run and beginning the second quarter with an additional six points, building a commanding 27-9 lead. By halftime, they had stretched their advantage to 42-17 and maintained control for the duration of the second half.
The game also marked the return of UConn guard Caroline Ducharme, who played for the first time since sustaining a head injury last season.
**Key Takeaways**
For UConn, Bueckers and her teammates continue to showcase their overwhelming presence in the Big East. The team seems to be hitting its stride just in time for a likely Final Four run, with opponents struggling to find ways to counter their balanced offensive attack.
On the other hand, the injury-ridden Bulldogs were unable to keep pace with UConn. With key players like Sydney Jaynes and Lily Carmody battling through injuries, coach Austin Parkinson’s team faced significant challenges against one of the top programs in the country and couldn’t pull off the upset.
**Key Moment**
Strong’s consecutive baskets midway through the first quarter provided UConn with a crucial lead, kicking off a decisive 23-3 run.
**Key Stat**
Butler struggled significantly with turnovers, losing the battle 22-8 and being outscored 31-5 on points generated from turnovers.
**Up Next**
UConn has the opportunity to clinch its 24th Big East title on Thursday when they take on No. 23 Creighton at home. Meanwhile, Butler will wrap up its regular season with a matchup against Villanova on Wednesday.
