Paige Bueckers and UConn are back.
Not just back in the championship picture. Not just back in the Final Four.
They’re back on a mission—and they’re not messing around.
In a jaw-dropping, lights-out performance in the Final Four, UConn destroyed No. 1 seed UCLA 85-51 in a game that felt over before halftime. It was dominance, it was drama, and it was everything March Madness is supposed to be.
And now? It’s on.
Paige Bueckers and the Huskies are headed to the NCAA title game, where they’ll face defending champs South Carolina in a must-see Sunday night showdown.
Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd Steal the Show
This game was supposed to be about Paige Bueckers.
Instead, it was the Sarah and Azzi Show.
- Sarah Strong dropped 22 points with ease, bullying the Bruins on both ends of the court.
- Azzi Fudd caught fire in the first half, scoring all 19 of her points before the break, including a miraculous banked-in three-pointer that had even Geno Auriemma grinning.
They didn’t just show up—they exploded, giving UCLA no chance to recover.
By the time the buzzer sounded at halftime, UConn was up 42-22—and the outcome felt sealed.
Bueckers Still Brilliant, Even in the Background
And then there was Paige Bueckers, the future WNBA superstar and the engine of this Huskies team.
Sure, she didn’t hit 30 like she did in the previous three tournament games.
But she didn’t need to.
She added 16 efficient points, kept the offense humming, and dazzled the crowd with a ridiculous in-air touch pass that set up a Kaitlyn Chen layup in the second quarter. It was the kind of play that only Bueckers can make—vision, timing, and creativity in one flash.
“This team doesn’t care about who scores,” Bueckers said. “We care about winning.”
That quote tells you everything you need to know about why UConn is headed to the title game.
UConn’s Title Drought Ends Sunday?
Let’s not forget—UConn hasn’t won a national title since 2016. That’s an eternity by their legendary standards.
For a program that once won four straight from 2013–2016, the current 8-year drought is unheard of.
But now? They’re one win away from hanging banner number 12. And they’ll need to go through the defending champions to get it.
The Championship Rematch We’ve Been Waiting For
This is it.
UConn vs South Carolina.
Sunday night. National championship.
It’s the rematch of the 2022 title game, which South Carolina won 64-49. But this time? It’s personal.
Because just two months ago, UConn went into Columbia and shocked the Gamecocks by 29 points on their home court.
That win sent shockwaves through the sport. And now, with a title on the line, South Carolina wants revenge—and UConn wants redemption.
UCLA Stunned in Final Four Debut
This wasn’t how it was supposed to go for top-seeded UCLA.
They had an incredible season:
- 34-2 record before Friday night
- First ever No. 1 AP ranking
- A Big Ten Tournament title
- 23 straight wins, 22 by double digits
And then they ran into the buzzsaw known as UConn.
All-America center Lauren Betts tried to carry the Bruins with 26 points, but she had little help. The Huskies shut everyone else down, and the Bruins looked lost in the second half.
Geno Auriemma Smiling Like a Mad Genius
There’s something dangerous about Geno Auriemma when he’s smiling mid-game.
When Azzi Fudd banked in a deep three that she clearly didn’t mean to make, Geno just smiled and shrugged.
Because he knew.
This team is peaking at the perfect moment.
They’re healthy. They’re deep. And they’re fearless. And with Paige Bueckers leading the charge, Geno might be holding up another trophy before the week is over.
The UConn Machine Is Back
Make no mistake: this is vintage UConn basketball.
- They’ve won 36 games this season
- They’re beating top teams by 20+ points
- They have three WNBA-level stars in Bueckers, Strong, and Fudd
- They’ve rediscovered that ruthless, relentless energy that made them the sport’s ultimate dynasty
After a few down years, UConn is done rebuilding.
They’re back to ruling.
What Makes Paige Bueckers So Special?
Let’s take a moment to talk about why Paige Bueckers is the heartbeat of this team.
- She’s averaging over 23 points per game in the tournament
- She’s a future No. 1 WNBA Draft pick
- She’s unselfish, laser-focused, and always finds the open teammate
- She plays her best under pressure
Whether she’s scoring 30 or facilitating from the wing, everything UConn does flows through her.
She’s not just a star—she’s a once-in-a-generation talent.
The Stats Tell the Story
Let’s run the numbers from Friday night:
- UConn 85, UCLA 51
- Sarah Strong: 22 points
- Azzi Fudd: 19 points (all in the first half)
- Paige Bueckers: 16 points, countless dazzling plays
- Lauren Betts (UCLA): 26 points, little support
- UConn led by 20 at halftime and never looked back
What to Watch Sunday Night
It all comes down to this:
UConn vs South Carolina
? Location: National Championship Game
? Date: Sunday
? Time: Prime Time
? TV: Everywhere, because this is the game of the year
Paige Bueckers UConn Title Game Dream One Win Away
The Paige Bueckers UConn title game journey is a movie script come to life.
From injuries to expectations, Bueckers has battled everything. Now, with her team locked in and the title just one win away, she’s ready to finish the job.
South Carolina is the defending champ. But UConn has the best player.
And in March Madness? That’s what wins games.
Get ready, college hoops fans—because Sunday night, history will be made.
