Paige Bueckers’ Unselfish Play Fuels UConn’s Dominant NCAA Tournament Start

STORRS, Conn. — Paige Bueckers, the celebrated UConn women’s basketball phenomenon, showcased a different dimension of her game on Saturday, prioritizing team success over individual statistics as the No. 2 seed Huskies steamrolled No. 15 seed Arkansas State 103-34 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. While her box score might not have reflected her usual dazzling displays, her impact on the game was undeniable, marked by selfless playmaking, strategic brilliance, and unwavering composure.

Bueckers, widely regarded as one of the top players in the nation and a focal point of UConn’s championship aspirations, finished the game with 11 points, four assists, one rebound, two blocks, and two steals in 21 minutes of action. For a player of her extraordinary talent and reputation, these numbers might appear modest, even underwhelming. However, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma emphasized that Bueckers’ performance exemplified the team’s collective philosophy and her commitment to winning.

"That’s the way you have to play at Connecticut," Auriemma stated after the game, highlighting the program’s emphasis on team-first basketball. "Some nights it’s about you and some nights it’s not. What did we have, 29 assists on 40 baskets? That’s pretty good."

Auriemma’s assessment underscored the Huskies’ remarkable ball movement and offensive fluidity, traits that were on full display against Arkansas State. After conceding the game’s opening basket, UConn unleashed a relentless 13-0 run, establishing their dominance early and setting the tone for the rest of the contest. The Red Wolves struggled to find any offensive rhythm, enduring a scoring drought of 5:20 before finally hitting a three-pointer. Their struggles continued as they then went scoreless for another 3:41 to close out the first quarter, allowing UConn to build a commanding 29-point lead.

The Huskies’ onslaught continued into the second quarter, with Arkansas State unable to stem the tide. The Red Wolves committed a staggering 16 turnovers in the first half, which UConn capitalized on, converting them into 27 points. Arkansas State’s shooting woes compounded their problems, as they connected on just 6 of 36 attempts from the field in the first two quarters. UConn’s stifling defense and relentless pressure made every possession a challenge for the Red Wolves.

While Bueckers may not have been the leading scorer on this particular night, her presence on the court was instrumental in creating opportunities for her teammates. Azzi Fudd emerged as the game’s leading scorer with 27 points, complemented by seven assists. Freshman sensation Sarah Strong showcased her versatility with a dominant performance, racking up 20 points and 12 rebounds, along with five assists and five blocks.

Bueckers, meanwhile, orchestrated the offense with precision and poise. Drawing defenders with her gravity, she consistently made timely passes to open teammates, leading to easy scoring chances. Her ability to read the defense and anticipate passing lanes allowed UConn to exploit Arkansas State’s vulnerabilities.

"If you complete a lot of passes early in the possession, you’re going to get a lot of opportunities," Auriemma explained. "That’s pretty much what happened. Every time we broke their pressure, there was a wide-open opportunity at the other end."

This game marked Bueckers’ return to the NCAA Tournament after a prolonged absence due to injury. She was forced to watch from the sidelines last season as her teammates fell short of their championship aspirations, losing in the Sweet Sixteen. Auriemma acknowledged the potential pressure that players can feel when returning from injury, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the NCAA Tournament.

"A lot of times when kids haven’t played, they put pressure on themselves to make up for missing NCAA tournaments and trying to get it back in one night," Auriemma said.

However, Bueckers remained composed and focused, resisting the urge to force shots or become overly aggressive. She trusted her teammates, played within the flow of the offense, and remained engaged even when her shots didn’t fall. Her maturity and selflessness were evident throughout the game.

When Auriemma substituted her out of the game just four minutes into the third quarter, with UConn already leading by more than 50 points, Bueckers embraced her role as a supportive teammate. She remained actively engaged on the bench, cheering on her teammates and offering encouragement. She understood that the ultimate goal was to win the championship, and she was willing to sacrifice individual accolades for the greater good of the team.

Bueckers’ journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. After a sensational freshman season that culminated in National Player of the Year honors, she has faced setbacks due to injuries. However, her resilience and determination have never wavered. She has emerged as a leader both on and off the court, inspiring her teammates and captivating fans with her exceptional talent and unwavering spirit.

The Huskies have reached the Final Four in each season that Bueckers has been healthy, but they have yet to capture the elusive national title. This year, with Bueckers leading the charge, they are determined to break through and achieve their ultimate goal. UConn will face the winner of the Oklahoma State and South Dakota State game in the second round on Monday, and they will undoubtedly be prepared for the challenge.

Bueckers’ performance against Arkansas State may not have been her most statistically impressive, but it demonstrated her growth as a player and her commitment to team success. Her unselfish play, combined with her extraordinary talent, makes her a formidable force in the NCAA Tournament. As the Huskies continue their quest for a national championship, Bueckers’ leadership and unwavering determination will be crucial to their success. Her ability to adapt her game to the needs of the team, prioritizing assists and defensive contributions when her shot isn’t falling, highlights her basketball IQ and her commitment to the collective goal. It is this blend of talent, selflessness, and leadership that makes Paige Bueckers such a special player and a key component of UConn’s championship aspirations. The journey continues, and with Bueckers at the helm, the Huskies are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.