Paige Bueckers Aims for a Perfect Five: UConn Eyes Fifth Straight Big East Title
The UConn Huskies, perennial powerhouses in women’s college basketball, are poised to make another run at Big East Tournament glory as the 2025 edition tips off this Friday. Leading the charge is star guard Paige Bueckers, who is looking to cap off her illustrious career with a remarkable five Big East Tournament championships in as many years.
UConn enters the tournament as the undisputed No. 1 seed, a testament to their dominant regular season performance. The Huskies cruised through conference play, posting an unblemished 18-0 record that solidified their status as the team to beat. Their consistent excellence has not only earned them the top seed but also positioned them favorably in the national landscape as they vie for a coveted No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
The Big East Tournament is more than just a quest for another trophy; it’s a crucial step in UConn’s journey to the national championship. A strong showing in the tournament will undoubtedly bolster their NCAA Tournament resume, making a No. 1 seed a very real possibility. Earning that top seed would provide them with a favorable path through the early rounds of the tournament, increasing their chances of making a deep run towards the Final Four.
While UConn is the clear favorite, they won’t be without competition. The Creighton Bluejays emerged as a formidable challenger during the regular season, finishing with an impressive 16-2 conference record. Creighton’s strong play earned them the No. 2 seed and a potential matchup with UConn in the tournament final. Earlier in the season, UConn managed to defeat Creighton 72-61, but the Bluejays will undoubtedly be seeking revenge and looking to upset the Huskies’ quest for a perfect five.
The entire tournament will unfold at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, providing a home-court advantage for UConn. The familiar surroundings and enthusiastic local support could be a key factor as they navigate the challenges of tournament play.
The tournament commences on Friday, March 7, and culminates with the championship game on Monday, March 10. Basketball fans can catch all the action live on various television networks, including Big East Network, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, and Fox. Streaming options are also available through the Fox Sports app and Fubo, a streaming service that offers a free trial for new subscribers. Note that Big East Network games will be streamed on FloSports, which requires a separate subscription.
The Big East Tournament features a bracket format with multiple rounds of play. The first round will see the lower-seeded teams battling for a spot in the quarterfinals, where they will face off against the top seeds. The winners of the quarterfinal games will advance to the semifinals, setting the stage for the championship game.
The schedule is structured so that the first games start the Friday, with quarterfinals continuing through Saturday. The semi finals are Sunday, and the Championship is played on Monday.
The specific matchups for the first round and subsequent rounds are determined by seeding and bracket placement. As the No. 1 seed, UConn will face the winner of one of the first-round games, providing them with a chance to warm up before facing potentially tougher opponents in later rounds.
Here is the schedule for the championship:
Game 10: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner | 7 p.m. | FS1 (Fubo)
The Big East Tournament offers fans a thrilling week of basketball action, filled with intense competition and unforgettable moments. UConn’s quest for a fifth consecutive title, coupled with the emergence of challengers like Creighton, promises to make this year’s tournament one to remember. Paige Bueckers’ pursuit of a perfect five adds an extra layer of intrigue, as fans eagerly anticipate whether she can lead the Huskies to yet another Big East crown.
Beyond the individual accolades and team championships, the Big East Tournament also serves as a platform for players to showcase their talents and potentially improve their WNBA draft stock. Scouts from professional teams will be in attendance, closely evaluating the performances of the top players in the conference. A strong showing in the tournament could significantly boost a player’s chances of being selected in the upcoming WNBA draft.
For UConn, the Big East Tournament represents an opportunity to solidify their dominance in the conference and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Geno Auriemma will be looking to fine-tune his team’s strategies and ensure that they are playing their best basketball heading into the national tournament. The experience gained from navigating the pressure-filled environment of the Big East Tournament will undoubtedly prove invaluable as they pursue their ultimate goal of winning a national championship.
The womens Big East Tournament is more than just a series of games; it’s a celebration of women’s basketball and the incredible athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport. The tournament provides a platform for these athletes to shine and inspire young girls to pursue their dreams. The atmosphere at the Mohegan Sun Arena is electric, with passionate fans cheering on their favorite teams and creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
