UConn’s Bueckers Seeks Legacy-Cementing Title in Final Game

TAMPA, Fla. — Paige Bueckers has one final opportunity to achieve her dream of winning a national championship as she and the UConn Huskies prepare to face the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA title game on Sunday. After a commanding victory over UCLA in the semifinals, the second-seeded Huskies hope to secure their first championship since 2016.

UConn’s dominance continued in the semifinals, where they defeated both a No. 1 seed and recorded the largest margin of victory in Women’s Final Four history with a 34-point win. “I don’t think we made a mistake the entire evening, especially on the defensive end,” said UConn coach Geno Auriemma. “I’m just incredibly proud of these guys and what they were able to do.”

Bueckers, a three-time All-American and the 2021 national player of the year, enters the championship game with a powerful motivation: adding her name to the storied legacy of UConn basketball. She has faced challenges, including leading her team to three previous Final Fours without a championship. Her career culminates in this decisive matchup, marking a pivotal moment in both her collegiate journey and her legacy.

“Anything less than a national championship is really a disappointment… the pressure is a privilege,” Bueckers reflected on her time at UConn. Despite the pressure, Bueckers has remained focused on helping her teammates and leading by example throughout the tournament.

When UConn and South Carolina last met, UConn triumphed 87-58 to end the Gamecocks’ 71-game home winning streak. Bueckers and her team recognize the significance of this rematch, where they can avenge their loss to South Carolina in the 2022 championship game. “This is why I came back,” said South Carolina senior guard Te-Hina Paopao, who pursued another title with her school. “The goal is to go back-to-back.”

As the championship approaches, Auriemma spoke of how Bueckers’ leadership transcends individual accomplishments. He noted her commitment to her teammates, including helping fellow players during Ramadan and encouraging those struggling with confidence. “We are trying to be the best team, we are in the present on any given night,” Bueckers explained.

With a championship within reach, players from both teams acknowledge the challenge ahead. UConn players are eager to demonstrate their continuous improvement. “We never get complacent with our performance,” said guard Azzi Fudd. “Tonight was great. When we wake up tomorrow, it’s a new day, a new scout, a new opportunity for us to play even better as a team.”

As the clock ticks down to tip-off, all eyes will be on Bueckers, who aims to leave her mark on UConn history by bringing home that elusive title after four remarkable years of collegiate basketball.