The bright lights of the Final Four stage illuminated as UConn’s star guard Paige Bueckers led the Huskies to a dominant 85-51 victory over UCLA in a high-stakes semifinal showdown at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Basketball fans nationwide watched eagerly as the former national player of the year contributed 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting in her quest to lead UConn back to championship glory.
With every possession, Bueckers demonstrated why she remains one of college basketball’s most electrifying talents. Though her scoring output fell below her tournament average, her overall court impact propelled UConn forward, providing another chapter in her remarkable comeback story following injury setbacks in previous seasons.
Bueckers’ Efficiency Challenged as Huskies Dominate Bruins
Bueckers started the game facing intense defensive pressure, scoring her first points on a midrange jumper with about four minutes left in the first quarter. She punctuated the opening quarter with a clutch step-back jumper over UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez at the buzzer, showcasing her ability to deliver in key moments despite shooting challenges.
Her final tally reached 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting (40%), well below her tournament average of 35.0 points per game over her previous three outings. The Bruins’ physical defense, likely led by Kiki Rice with frequent double-teams, limited her efficiency compared to her 59.1% tournament shooting mark entering this Final Four matchup, but couldn’t contain her overall impact on the game.
Huskies’ Team Effort Secures Championship Berth
UConn’s road to the championship game highlighted the team’s depth beyond Bueckers’ star power. Azzi Fudd contributed 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, while Sarah Strong delivered 22 points and eight rebounds in a standout performance, demonstrating how the Huskies thrive even when their star guard faces shooting challenges.
Against UCLA, Bueckers’ basketball IQ shined beyond the scoring column as she recorded at least three steals, disrupting the Bruins’ offensive rhythm and contributing significantly to UConn’s 14 points off 16 UCLA turnovers by halftime.
Her defensive pressure and playmaking helped secure their dominant 85-51 victory—a 34-point margin that showcased the complete team performance against a UCLA team that struggled from outside, shooting just 1-of-13 beyond the paint.
The significance of this Final Four triumph extends beyond just advancing to the championship game. For Bueckers, this victory represents her first opportunity to compete for a national title in her fourth Final Four appearance.
MORE: Paige Bueckers A Role Model On and Off the Court
With 2,306 career points after Friday night’s game—moving her to third all time at UConn—she now stands one win away from adding “national champion” to her illustrious collegiate résumé. The presumptive No. 1 WNBA draft pick will lead UConn against South Carolina in the national championship game on April 6.
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