UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma recently mentioned his former star, Paige Bueckers, as a motivating factor behind their success. On Monday, March 9, Auriemma and his Huskies squad faced Denise Dillon’s Villanova Wildcats at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, in the Big East conference tournament championship game.
At his post-game press conference, Auriemma was quoted by user @uconnwbbweekly on X/Twitter when asked what motivated his team to consistently win conference championships and national titles. Auriemma jokingly named Bueckers.
“I think Paige is still in the picture today, because I think they would be really, really pi**ed if we didn’t win this thing, and the threat of her saying, ‘I knew you couldn’t do it without me,'” Auriemma was quoted as saying.
Bueckers finished her rookie year in the WNBA with former coach Chris Koclanes’ Dallas Wings in the 2025 season. The Hopkins, Minnesota, native was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the first round of that year’s draft, as she was coming off a stellar college basketball career under Auriemma and the Huskies. The scorer is currently competing in the 2026 Unrivaled Basketball League for the offseason.
For Auriemma and the Huskies, they are looking to defend their 2025 national title by winning back-to-back championships come the 2026 NCAA tournament. Bueckers was a part of that team before she declared for the WNBA, which may have played a factor in her being the top selection.
The UConn Huskies Win Their 13th Straight Big East Conference Tournament Championship
Coach Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies dominated the Villanova Wildcats in the aforementioned game as they toppled them by an astounding 39 points, 90-51.
This victory earns the Connecticut-based program its 13th straight Big East conference tournament title and 24th overall. The 2025-26 Huskies also won the 2026 conference regular-season championship, the program’s 13th straight title.
Read More: Geno Auriemma’s UConn Is Better After Losing Paige Bueckers, Claims NCAA Analayst
Also Read: IN PICS: Geno Auriemma Reunites With UConn Legends Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles Amid Historic Season
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