All-American guard Paige Bueckers is set to leave UConn having already made a significant impact on the program. As the Huskies prepare for the national championship game in Tampa, Florida, against defending champion South Carolina, Bueckers has one last chance to cement her legacy.
UConn, which won its most recent national championship in 2016, is looking to end its longest championship drought since 1995. This game represents a pivotal moment in both Bueckers’ career and the future of the storied UConn program.
Bueckers shatters UConn records while facing South Carolina’s challenge for championship glory.
Throughout her career, Bueckers has shattered multiple UConn records. In the 2024 NCAA Tournament, she scored a program-record 40 points in UConn’s Sweet 16 victory over Oklahoma. This performance not only cemented her place in Huskies history but also showcased her scoring ability.
Additionally, she surpassed Napheesa Collier to become the third-highest scorer in UConn history during a subsequent game. Bueckers has earned National Player of the Year honors in 2021 and is poised for another potentially unanimous first-team All-American selection in 2025, adding to her already impressive trophy collection.
Paige Bueckers (NCAA)UConn’s final opponent, South Carolina, presents a formidable challenge. The Gamecocks have a chance to win their third national championship in four seasons, while UConn is striving to reclaim its former dominance. In 2021, South Carolina defeated UConn in the championship game, with Bueckers being held to just 14 points in a 64-49 loss.
If South Carolina wins on Sunday, they would also become the first team to repeat as national champions since UConn’s 2016 team. Both programs are looking to solidify their legacies in women’s college basketball, with the outcome of this game potentially determining the future direction of their respective dynasties.
Staley acknowledges Bueckers’ impact, while South Carolina aims to challenge UConn’s title quest.
South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged Bueckers’ incredible influence on women’s basketball but also highlighted the overshadowing media focus on players like Bueckers and Caitlin Clark. While Staley’s Gamecocks have enjoyed considerable success, including an undefeated season and championship aspirations, they are often overshadowed by individual stars.
However, with key players like Raven Johnson, Sania Feagin, and Bree Hall driving their defense and offense, South Carolina is well-positioned to challenge UConn’s quest for another title, relying on their deep roster and balanced play.
UConn’s offensive firepower, led by Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, remains a primary threat to South Carolina’s defense. Fudd, who has had a long recovery from injuries over the past few seasons, has emerged as a crucial scoring option alongside Bueckers. In a February matchup, Fudd’s 28 points helped UConn secure a dominant win over South Carolina.
As UConn prepares for the championship game, the key challenge will be how South Carolina adjusts its perimeter defense to contain both Bueckers and Fudd, two of the most potent offensive players in college basketball. The outcome of this matchup will likely depend on the performance of these stars and how each team executes its defensive and offensive game plan.
