Legendary UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers put on her best display of brilliance in her last game in Storrs, Conn., Monday night. She scored a season-high 34 points as UConn beat the breaks off No. 10 seed South Dakota State in a Round of 32.
Paige Bueckers Gives Dazzling Final Home Performance
UConn started this game slow against the Jackrabbits, as they got out to an early 10-4 lead. After the first timeout, the senior superstar settled down, and she put on a show for the Gampel Pavilion crowd.
Over the next two quarters, Bueckers connected on her next eight shots, and she was doing it in every which way. Step back threes to beat the quarter, fadeaway mid-range jump shots, pull-up jump shots from the nail.
Paige Bueckers BALLED OUT in her final home game at UConn:
🐐 34 PTS (T-career-high)
🐐 14-21 FG
🐐 4 STL | 4 ASTWELL DESERVED STANDING O 🙌 pic.twitter.com/6OuFMushbN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2025
This former McDonald All-American finished the first half with 21 points and was responsible for contributing 26 of UConn’s 43 points in the first half, but this wasn’t the end of her takeover. She poured in another 11 points in the third quarter and added one swan song jumper in the fourth quarter.
As she left the court for the last time in Storrs, she received a standing ovation. She ended this game with 34 points, shooting 67% from the floor, 60% from three, and 100% from the free-throw line.
Shooting this well is nothing new for Bueckers. During this game, she became the first player in college basketball, WNBA, and NBA history to shoot 50%, 40%, and 90% and led the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio.
This is just one of her many accomplishments during her five-year Huskies career. With a jersey already in the rafters, three Big East Player of the Year awards, and the only freshman to win National Player of the Year, Bueckers will be remembered as one of the Husky greats.
She spoke postgame at mid-court to all the people at Storrs, saying she “Had the time of life” playing for UConn and calling the Husky faithful the “best supporters in the country.”
How Much Has Paige Made in NIL Deals? Check Her Valuation
After the game with reporter Rebecca Lobo, Bueckers also said that she is “in a state of gratitude for everything that has come my way” and that it was an “honor” to play at UConn.
The Huskies are primed for another deep playoff run with Bueckers at the helm, as she has never missed a Final Four when healthy. They are slated to play No. 3 seed Oklahoma in the Sweet 16. If Bueckers plays with the offensive aggression she just showcased against the Jackrabbits, the Sooners have a problem on their hands.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
