In Spokane, Washington, Paige Bueckers showcased one of her most impressive performances, scoring a career-high 40 points to propel UConn past Oklahoma with a decisive 82-59 victory. This win assured the Huskies a place in the Elite Eight of the women’s NCAA Tournament. Bueckers’ stellar performance was crucial in overturning a halftime deficith, with UConn trailing 36-32 at the break. Coming off a previous personal best of 34 points, which she achieved in UConn’s second-round triumph over South Dakota State, Bueckers surpassed her earlier record by delivering 29 points in the second half.
The talented senior guard matched her previous record with six three-pointers, including two pivotal ones during a fourth-quarter run that sealed the game. With just over three minutes remaining, she exited the court leaving the Huskies comfortably leading at 80-51. UConn’s coach expressed admiration for Bueckers, noting her spectacular performance was a key factor guiding the team to victory. Heading into the next stage, second-seeded UConn, on a 13-game winning streak, is set to face the winner of Southern California and Kansas State.
Complementing Bueckers’ outstanding performance were Ashlynn Shade and Sarah Strong, who added 12 points and 11 points respectively. The latter also contributed 11 rebounds. While UConn is ambitiously seeking its 12th national title, they have not clinched the championship since 2016, despite regular appearances in the Elite Eight over the past two decades. Bueckers acknowledged the team’s motivation to continue playing together as long as possible, expressing their love for the program.
For Oklahoma, Payton Verhulst was a standout performer, scoring 16 points. This appearance marked the first Sweet 16 entry in a decade for the Sooners, though they remain winless against UConn in a rivalry that includes the memorable 2002 national title game. Despite an early 8-0 lead initiated by Oklahoma, Bueckers triggered a momentum shift with a 3-pointer that set off an 11-0 run, helping the Huskies capture a 17-12 lead after the first quarter. However, Verhulst’s scoring prowess saw Oklahoma reclaim the lead briefly before halftime.
After trailing by four points at the break, Bueckers inspired a UConn resurgence in the third quarter, propelling her team forward with crucial points and widening the gap to 59-46 by the end of the third. Her deep 3-pointer early in the fourth extended the lead to a commanding 62-46, effectively deciding the contest in UConn’s favor. Despite relentless efforts, Oklahoma could not rival UConn’s assertive play led by Bueckers.
Bueckers reflected on the determination shared by all teams to extend their season and pursue a national championship, emphasizing staying focused on the present. Notably, her prolific scoring moved her further up UConn’s all-time scoring list, despite a series of injuries that impeded her progress over the last two years. Bueckers, who initially joined UConn with great promise as the national player of the year, is eyeing her final opportunities to leave a lasting impact before embarking on a professional career.