Geno Auriemma returned to the broadcaster’s booth on Tuesday with the opportunity to call a game involving his former UConn stars Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Breanna Stewart. Auriemma had several viral moments during the contest, which ended in Bueckers and Fudd leading the Dallas Wings to an 88-77 win over Stewart’s New York Liberty.
One such instance had fans in stitches, as the legendary NCAA coach accidentally slipped up and said “Pazzi” on air. It’s a fan-made moniker widely used to refer to Bueckers and Fudd during their time as teammates in college and later as partners.
“Oh, Azzi will get 20 … Pazzi … Paige will get this, Paige will get that …,” Auriemma said, while hailing Jessica Sheppard.
Several of Bueckers and Fudd’s supporters were closely listening to Geno Auriemma on the call, making it nearly impossible for them to miss the UConn coach’s slip-up.
One fan said:
“geno just let pazzi slip live on air 😭😭😭”
More reactions followed.
How Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd fared with Geno Auriemma on call
Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd got the win, but neither had the best performance. Nevertheless, they were still efficient and made significant contributions. Bueckers scored 15 points and shot 33.3% from the field. Her streak of scoring at least 20 points on 50.0% shooting ended at five games.
However, Bueckers remained impactful with her playmaking, rebounding and defense. She recorded six assists while committing just one turnover. She added seven rebounds and two blocks to her box score.
Meanwhile, Fudd had 12 points, three assists and two steals, shooting 6-for-13. She couldn’t find the bottom of the rim from the three-point range, missing all four of her attempts.
Jessica Sheppard was the Wings’ best with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists on 68.8% shooting. She recorded her third triple-double of the year, while no other player has managed a single one this season.
On the other hand, Breanna Stewart’s team lost, but the MVP candidate was the best of the UConn stars. Stewart scored a game-high 29 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished four assists, while shooting 62.5%.
However, the rest of her teammates struggled to provide adequate support, leading to New York’s first loss in three games.
Read more:
- Azzi Fudd Makes More WNBA History; Joins Only Tamika Catchings for Impressive Rookie Feat
- Geno Auriemma Recalls Caitlin Clark Not Getting Attention as Freshman, Revels in Paige Bueckers’ Amazing Year
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