STORRS, Conn. โ Paige Bueckersโ impressive scoring and KK Arnoldโs defensive prowess paved the way for UConn to secure a spot in their 31st consecutive Sweet 16 appearance in the womenโs NCAA Tournament.
Bueckers tied her career-best with an outstanding 34-point performance in what was her last home game, earning a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd at Gampel Pavilion. Arnold made a significant impact off the bench with her defensive skills, assisting second-seeded UConn to comfortably defeat No. 10 seed South Dakota State with a 91-57 victory on Monday night.
โPaige was Paige,โ commented UConn coach Geno Auriemma. โIt was an incredible way to wrap up your (home) career. Thereโs no better way than with such a display.โ
Before leaving the court for the last time at Gampel, Bueckers addressed the enthusiastic spectators, expressing her gratitude. Anticipated to be the top pick in the WNBA draft, she aims to lead UConn to win four more games, which would earn them their 12th national title.
โI havenโt yet experienced an emotional wave because weโre concentrated on our goals and on staying present,โ Bueckers explained. โWe didnโt perceive this as our final game at Gampel; we viewed it as an NCAA second-round contest we intended to win to continue advancing.โ
Azzi Fudd contributed 17 points while Sarah Strong added 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks, aiding the Huskies (33-3) as they prepare to meet Oklahoma in a regional semifinal in Spokane, Washington.
Paige Meyer led South Dakota State (30-4) with 16 points. Brooklyn Meyer, unrelated to Paige, suffered an ankle injury with just 30.9 seconds left in the first half and had to be assisted off the court. She returned in the second half and finished with four points over 28 minutes.
The first quarter saw the Jackrabbits take a six-point lead twice, propelled by the remarkable performance of Paige Meyer, who holds the programโs single-season assist record. UConn responded by introducing Arnold, whose defensive pressure stymied South Dakota Stateโs offensive maneuvers.
โWe aimed to exploit her weaknesses and sow chaos,โ mentioned Arnold, who recorded six points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 19 minutes. โWe focused on limiting her shots. It was exciting because my defense creates multiple opportunities. I get really thrilled.โ
Bueckers took charge, scoring UConnโs final 10 points of the opening quarter, capped by a stunning buzzer-beating three-pointer. She contributed significantly to a 16-2 rally in the second quarter, pushing the lead to 21 points. UConn impressively made 10 consecutive shots during the second quarter and another eight in a row in the third quarter.
Looking ahead, the dynamics in the Spokane 4 Region shifted on Monday night when JuJu Watkins, a star player from top-seeded Southern California, sustained a right knee injury in the first quarter against Mississippi State in Los Angeles. UConn had previously overcome USC in a regional final last year, and the teams could potentially face off again if the bracket aligns with the seeding.