Paige Bueckers led UConn to a 53-45 victory over Duke in the Women’s NCAA Tournament, despite playing with a shortened roster due to injuries. Bueckers scored 24 points and showcased her talent after being sidelined with a knee injury last year. The Huskies advanced to their 28th regional final, setting up a highly anticipated matchup against top seed Southern California. USC, led by freshman JuJu Watkins, also had an impressive win in the semifinals with Watkins scoring 30 points against Baylor.
In addition to Bueckers’ performance, Aaliyah Edwards and KK Arnold each contributed 12 points for UConn. Despite scoring their second-fewest points in a March Madness victory, the Huskies were able to secure the win over Duke. The Blue Devils, who had defeated No. 2 seed Ohio State in the previous round, struggled offensively throughout the game. Oluchi Okananwa led Duke with 15 points, but the team faced difficulties scoring against UConn’s defense.
Duke had a tough time getting their offense going, with just 11 baskets through three quarters. Despite a late push in the fourth quarter, UConn managed to maintain their lead and secure the victory. Okananwa’s efforts, including a three-point play and a 3-pointer, helped Duke cut the deficit, but they were unable to close the gap. Buecker’s free throws in the final seconds sealed the win for the Huskies, despite some shaky moments throughout the game.
The matchup between UConn and Southern California promised to be a thrilling contest, with fans eager to see Bueckers go head-to-head against Watkins. Both players had been key contributors to their respective teams and were expected to deliver standout performances in the regional final. The stage was set for an exciting game as the two top seeds faced off for a spot in the Women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four.
Despite facing challenges with their roster, UConn continued to showcase their resilience and determination in the tournament. Bueckers’ leadership and scoring ability were instrumental in guiding the team to victory, and her return to form after overcoming injuries was highly impressive. As the Women’s NCAA Tournament progressed, UConn remained a strong contender with their sights set on advancing further and competing for the championship title.
