- Paige Bueckers sets career-high 40 points in NCAA Tournament victory
- Senior guard scores 29 second-half points to secure Elite Eight berth
- UConn extends winning streak to 13 games with 82-59 rout
In a breathtaking March Madness performance, Paige Bueckers cemented her legacy as one of UConn's all-time greats. The senior guard exploded for 40 points against Oklahoma – 29 coming after halftime – to propel the Huskies to their 18th Elite Eight appearance in 19 seasons. Bueckers' offensive clinic included six three-pointers and a fourth-quarter scoring barrage that left the Sooners defense scrambling.
UConn's championship pedigree shone through after trailing 36-32 at halftime. Bueckers single-handedly erased the deficit with eight quick points to open the third quarter, showcasing the clutch gene that makes her a projected WNBA top pick. Her coast-to-coast layup at the 5:12 mark sparked a 16-4 run that shifted momentum permanently in UConn's favor.
The Huskies' victory underscores three critical March Madness success factors: veteran leadership in high-pressure situations, strategic halftime adjustments, and three-point shooting efficiency. Bueckers' performance marked the highest scoring game by any player in this year's women's tournament, surpassing her previous career-best 34 points from the second round.
Regional analysis reveals UConn's dominance in West Coast venues continues unabated. Since 2013, the Huskies boast an 82% win rate in NCAA Tournament games played west of the Mississippi River. This Spokane success story follows their 2021 Final Four run through the Alamo City region.
With her 40-point explosion, Bueckers climbed to fourth on UConn's all-time scoring list, passing Hall of Famer Tina Charles. The Minnesota native's journey back from ACL surgery now positions her as the central figure in UConn's quest for its first national championship since 2016.
Head coach Geno Auriemma praised his star player's historic effort: When your best player delivers her greatest performance on the brightest stage, that's championship basketball. Paige carried us tonight like only generational talents can.The Huskies await either USC or Kansas State in Monday's regional final.