Paige Bueckers Leads UConn to Elite Eight Win Over Oklahoma

SPOKANE, Wash. — Paige Bueckers electrified the crowd with a dazzling performance, scoring 40 points, as the University of Connecticut (UConn) defeated Oklahoma 79-56 in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 29, 2025. Bueckers, who played only seven minutes in the fourth quarter, scored 19 points in the period, contributing to her team’s comeback after trailing earlier in the game.

In front of a roaring crowd, that felt like a home game for the star guard despite being nearly 2,700 miles from UConn’s campus in Storrs, Bueckers exhibited her scoring prowess at a critical moment. UConn’s head coach Geno Auriemma, never one to shy away from demanding excellence, acknowledged her skills during a postgame interview, saying, “It was as good a game as I’ve seen her play the whole time she’s been here at the most important time.”

Despite expressing pride in Bueckers’ performance, Auriemma emphasized the need for continuous improvement, joking about the need to keep her grounded. “She was really bad defensively, so we can’t just let her off the hook that easily,” he said, before remarking on Bueckers’ increased shooting confidence. “Little by little, it’s dawned on her, I think, that there is no next year.\”

The Huskies are set to face top-seeded USC in their quest for the championship, as UConn looks to solidify its status as one of the nation’s premier teams. UConn had fallen short of its historical success in recent years, raising questions about the program’s dominance since winning its last national title in 2016. Bueckers is acutely aware of this pressure, having experienced a tumultuous few years marred by injuries and challenges, including missing her entire junior year.

With each game now being potentially her last as a Husky, Bueckers is fully aware that the stakes are high. She remarked, “This is why you came here, to be in these moments and rise to the occasion.” Her performance against Oklahoma showcased not only her individual talent but the strength and determination of a program that aims to reclaim its place in the national spotlight.

As UConn prepares for the Final Four, Auriemma has called upon Bueckers to take charge and be more assertive in her play. This season, the team has demonstrated impressive offensive and defensive statistics, holding the top ratings in the country. However, Bueckers’ ability to control the game will be crucial as they move forward.

USC, unfortunately, will be competing without its star player, JuJu Watkins, who sustained an ACL injury earlier in the tournament. The absence of such a key player elevates the pressure on both teams to navigate the intense competition of the Elite Eight. Despite challenges, the game is being billed as a compelling clash of resilience and talent.

As the tournament progresses, every moment counts, particularly for athletes like Bueckers who have finally found their rhythm after enduring so much adversity. UConn’s upcoming matchup against USC has already generated excitement, with the potential for another memorable chapter in March Madness.