Paige Bueckers Dominates - UConn guard Paige Bueckers (5) is guarded by Boston University guard Alex Giannaros in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File)
Paige Bueckers is putting a serious stamp on UConn’s March Madness run, and if her final home game is any indication, she’s nowhere near finished. In front of a roaring Gampel Pavilion crowd, the senior star delivered a performance that reminded fans and foes alike why she’s one of the most electrifying players in women’s college basketball.
Bueckers scored 21 points in the first half—her highest-scoring half ever—and finished the third quarter with 32 points, tying her personal best in an NCAA tournament game. The result? A dominant 72-36 lead heading into the final stretch and a crystal-clear message to the rest of the field: UConn is here, and Paige Bueckers is leading the charge.
Monday night’s game wasn’t just any second-round tournament matchup. It marked Bueckers’ final game at Gampel Pavilion, the home court where her legendary college career began.
And she made sure it ended on her terms—with a performance so polished and powerful it could only be described as vintage Paige.
She opened the game aggressively, setting the tone early with a mix of effortless drives, smooth step-back threes, and deadly mid-range jumpers. By the end of the first half, she had 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting.
The crowd couldn’t get enough. Every bucket drew louder cheers. Every possession felt like a moment.
For fans lucky enough to be in the building, it was a reminder of why Paige Bueckers dominates for UConn in March Madness.
By the end of the third quarter, Bueckers had tied her career-high for an NCAA tournament game with 32 points. That stat alone is impressive, but it’s what it means in context that truly elevates the moment.
It was her sixth 25-point game in NCAA tournament play, tying her with UConn legend Maya Moore for the most in the past 25 years.
Let that sink in: Paige Bueckers is now side-by-side with one of the greatest to ever wear a Huskies uniform.
When it comes to March, Paige isn’t just showing up—she’s making history.
What makes Bueckers’ game so thrilling to watch is the variety in her scoring arsenal.
Against South Dakota State, she put on a masterclass in shot-making.
It wasn’t just scoring—it was artistry.
She didn’t force shots. Paige read the defense. She dictated the pace.
Each basket felt controlled, precise, and intentional. It’s that combination of basketball IQ and pure skill that has made her a generational talent.
And Monday night, she reminded everyone watching that her bag is as deep as it’s ever been.
Even though Monday was her last game at Gampel, this isn’t a farewell. It’s the beginning of what could be an unforgettable tournament run.
UConn is the No. 2 seed in their region, and with Bueckers playing at this level, the Huskies have as good a chance as anyone to reach the Final Four and beyond.
This isn’t the same UConn team that struggled with injuries and inconsistency earlier in the year. This is a battle-tested group with a healthy and locked-in superstar at the helm.
Bueckers’ leadership is undeniable. She’s not just scoring—she’s creating for others, setting the tone on defense, and keeping her team focused.
As the final minutes ticked off the clock, fans inside Gampel knew they were witnessing something special.
Every basket. And every pass. Every defensive stop. They knew this was the last time they’d see Paige Bueckers wearing UConn blue on this court.
The standing ovation she received late in the game was more than just applause. It was appreciation, admiration, and a collective thank you.
She waved to the crowd. She smiled. But you could tell her focus remained on the bigger prize.
Because while Monday was about honoring her journey so far, the road to a championship still lies ahead.
With the win over South Dakota State, UConn moves on to the Sweet Sixteen. Their next opponent will be tougher, the stakes higher, and the spotlight brighter.
But that’s where Bueckers thrives.
She’s been in big games before. She’s led comebacks, hit game-winners, and carried the Huskies through deep tournament runs.
Now, fully healthy and surrounded by a cohesive team, she’s poised to do it again.
This year feels different. It feels like the year Paige takes UConn all the way.
Paige Bueckers’ NCAA tournament resume already reads like a seasoned pro’s.
Yet somehow, it feels like she’s just getting started.
Her journey has included injuries, setbacks, and the weight of immense expectations. But she’s embraced every challenge.
Now, in her senior year, she’s playing some of the best basketball of her career—and doing it when it matters most.
One of the most impressive aspects of Bueckers’ game is how she elevates everyone around her.
Her passing instincts open up scoring for her teammates. And her defensive effort sets the tone. Her leadership brings stability when the game gets chaotic.
On Monday, it was clear that her teammates were feeding off her energy. The ball moved. The defense rotated. The Huskies played with swagger.
That’s the Paige effect.
When she’s rolling, the entire team finds another level.
There are a lot of great players in women’s college basketball, especially in this year’s March Madness field.
But what sets Bueckers apart?
She’s the kind of player who changes a game just by being on the floor. Coaches have to adjust. Defenders have to pick their poison.
And yet, even with all the attention, she still finds a way to shine.
March is about stars, and right now, Paige Bueckers is the brightest in the women’s game.
Her final performance at Gampel Pavilion was everything UConn fans could have asked for—dominant, emotional, and unforgettable.
But don’t call it a goodbye.
The real journey is just beginning.
With Bueckers leading the way, UConn has a legitimate shot to win it all. And if Monday night was any indication, she’s not just here to compete—she’s here to win.
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