STORRS, CT — UConn senior guard Paige Bueckers has led the Huskies to their record 24th NCAA Final Four, marking another milestone in a standout collegiate career that began with national acclaim and has weathered injuries, expectations, and championship hunger.
In UConn’s 78–64 win over Southern California, Bueckers scored 31 points and added four steals. The win sets up a national semifinal matchup Friday against top-seeded UCLA in Tampa.
The Huskies aim for their first national title since 2016, the last of their four straight championships.
This postseason run has showcased Bueckers’ heightened performance under pressure. She notched a career-high 34 points against South Dakota State in the second round, then tallied 40 in the Sweet 16 win over Oklahoma. Her tournament average exceeds 35 points per game.
Bueckers is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft later this month. She has earned AP All-America honors and her third Big East Player of the Year award, posting 20.1 points per game in 2024-25.
Since arriving in 2020, Bueckers has been central to UConn’s identity. Her freshman season ended with national player of the year honors. Injuries curtailed her sophomore and junior years, including a torn ACL that sidelined her for all of 2022–23. This season marked her full return.
Now, with one more NCAA title in reach, Bueckers and head coach Geno Auriemma appear focused on finishing the journey. The Huskies face UCLA on April 5, seeking their 12th national crown.
