UConn star Paige Bueckers didn’t hold back her emotions after her final game in Gampel Pavilion. The Husky had just led her team to a crushing victory, securing their 31st straight Sweet 16 spot.
But for her, it wasn’t just a win; it was the end of an era. After five years, her final home game in Storrs left her reflecting on a journey that felt like a dream.
Paige Bueckers Shares Thoughts in Emotional Farewell to UConn Home Crowd
The No. 2 seed Huskies dominated No. 10 seed South Dakota State 91-57 on Monday night, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament with authority. Bueckers rose high for 34 points, tying her career high. She started strong, scoring UConn’s last 10 points of the first quarter.
Her performance only grew from there, making the crowd gush over her talent.
“It’s been a dream to play here, a dream to wear this uniform, and a dream to play in this environment.”@paigebueckers1 reflects on tonight’s game in Gampel Pavilion.#MarchMadness x @UConnWBB pic.twitter.com/z0b94UgjCJ
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 25, 2025
In the post-game interview, Paige said, “It’s been a dream to play here, a dream to wear this uniform, a dream to play in this environment,” Her voice was thick with emotion. “It means everything.”
The game marked her last at Gampel Pavilion, where she’s played since her freshman year amid cardboard cutouts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, with fans packing the stands, she couldn’t hear timeouts or whistles over their cheers.
“The atmosphere was amazing,” she said. According to her, you can’t even hear when the whistle blows because of how loud the fans are and how much support they show. That energy fueled her as UConn pulled away from a seasoned South Dakota State squad, fresh off an upset over Oklahoma State.
Teammate Azzi Fudd marveled at Bueckers’ dominance. “It is incredible to watch,” Fudd said. “You almost feel sorry for the other team when Paige is locked in.”
Coach Geno Auriemma, a veteran of 11 national titles, also praised her prowess. He noted that winning a championship isn’t easy, despite what high school dreams suggest. Bueckers has faced setbacks, missing one season and playing just 17 games in another. Yet, she’s now positioned for a title run and likely the WNBA’s top draft pick.
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Next, UConn faces No. 3 seed Oklahoma in Spokane on Saturday. Still, Bueckers isn’t ready to dwell on the past just yet. She’s focused on the present and chasing that elusive championship.
For Bueckers, the journey isn’t totally over. Two wins down and four to go. But Monday’s victory was a poignant chapter, a testament to her grit, her talent, and a crowd that made every moment unforgettable.
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