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UConn Huskies Face South Dakota State Jackrabbits in NCAA Tournament Round 2

The UConn Huskies, led by star guard Paige Bueckers, are set to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. UConn aims to advance to the Sweet 16, continuing their storied legacy in the tournament. The game will be a test for both teams, with UConn looking to assert their dominance and South Dakota State hoping to pull off a major upset.

Bueckers and UConn Aim for Sweet 16 Berth

All eyes will be on Paige Bueckers as she leads the UConn Huskies against a determined South Dakota State squad. Bueckers, a strong contender for national player of the year, had a relatively quiet first-round game against Arkansas State, a contest that UConn dominated with a 103-34 victory. However, expect Bueckers to play a more significant role in this matchup. Her ability to score, pass, and create opportunities for her teammates is crucial to UConn’s success.

In the first round, it was Azzi Fudd who stole the show for UConn, pouring in 27 points in a dominant performance. The Huskies demonstrated their depth and offensive firepower, showing that they are more than just a one-player team. This depth will be essential as they move deeper into the tournament and face tougher competition.

South Dakota State Seeks Upset

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits, entering the game as a 10-seed, are riding high after upsetting 7-seed Oklahoma State 74-68 in the first round. The Jackrabbits have proven they can compete with strong teams and are eager to continue their tournament run. Their confidence is likely boosted by a long winning streak, having not lost since December. However, that loss was to Texas, a team of similar caliber to UConn, potentially providing a glimpse of the challenge ahead.

South Dakota State will need to play a near-perfect game to overcome UConn’s talent and experience. They will rely on their strong team chemistry, disciplined defense, and efficient offense. A key element for the Jackrabbits will be controlling the pace of the game and limiting UConn’s transition opportunities.

Key Matchup Details

• Teams: UConn Huskies vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
• Round: Second Round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament
• Date: Monday, March 24
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Location: Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, Connecticut
• TV: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN app, Fubo (free trial available)

Broadcast Information

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, providing national coverage of this exciting matchup. For those who prefer to stream the game, options are available through the ESPN app and Fubo, a streaming service that offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Paige Bueckers: A Game Changer

Paige Bueckers’ impact on the UConn Huskies cannot be overstated. Averaging a team-leading 18.7 points and 4.8 assists per game, Bueckers is a dynamic player who can take over a game at any moment. Her court vision, ball-handling skills, and scoring ability make her a nightmare for opposing defenses. UConn’s success in this tournament hinges largely on Bueckers’ performance and her ability to lead her team. While she wasn’t heavily relied upon in the first round, expect head coach Geno Auriemma to involve her strategically against South Dakota State.

South Dakota State’s Strengths

South Dakota State’s impressive 30-3 record speaks to their quality and consistency. Their victory over Oklahoma State demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure and execute their game plan effectively. The Jackrabbits are a well-coached team with a strong understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. They are disciplined on both ends of the court and excel at playing as a cohesive unit. They will need to leverage these strengths to disrupt UConn’s rhythm and create opportunities for themselves.

Prediction

Despite South Dakota State’s impressive winning streak and upset potential, UConn is heavily favored to win this game. UConn’s talent, depth, and home-court advantage make them a formidable opponent. While South Dakota State will undoubtedly put up a fight, it’s difficult to see them overcoming UConn’s firepower.

Final Score Prediction: UConn 80, South Dakota State 56

UConn is predicted to win convincingly and advance to the Sweet 16, continuing their quest for another national championship. While an upset is always possible in the NCAA Tournament, UConn’s overall strength and experience should prove too much for South Dakota State to handle.

Team Records and Recent Performance

Here’s a look at the recent performance of both teams:

• UConn Huskies: [Link to UConn’s 2024-25 schedule] (Check the link for the last five results)
• South Dakota State Jackrabbits: [Link to South Dakota State’s 2024-25 schedule] (Check the link for the last five results)

Auriemma’s Birthday Flex

Adding to the narrative, UConn’s legendary coach, Geno Auriemma, recently celebrated his birthday with what many are calling a "championship flex," showcasing his confidence and the program’s winning culture. This adds an extra layer of motivation for the Huskies as they aim to deliver another deep tournament run.

This game promises to be an exciting contest between two talented teams with contrasting styles. UConn will look to impose their will and dominate the game, while South Dakota State will aim to disrupt UConn’s plans and capitalize on any opportunities to pull off the upset. Basketball fans should tune in to witness this compelling matchup and see which team will advance to the Sweet 16.