Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies secured their spot in the Final Four with a decisive 78-64 victory over No. 1 seed USC in the Spokane 4 Regional final. Bueckers, who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, delivered a standout performance with 31 points and six assists. The Huskies are now just two wins away from their ultimate goal: the program’s 12th national championship.
Bueckers has cemented herself in NCAA history, becoming the only player to post four 25-point games in the Elite Eight. Despite previous heartbreaks in past seasons, she remains determined to claim her first national title. Head coach Geno Auriemma expressed his pride in Bueckers, emphasizing that her opportunity to compete at this level is well-deserved.
UConn Advances to 16th Final Four, Set to Face No. 1 Seed UCLA
With this win, UConn advances to its 16th Final Four in 17 years and 24th overall. The Huskies will face No. 1 overall seed UCLA in the national semifinals in Tampa, Florida. Auriemma, who recently became the all-time wins leader in women’s college basketball, acknowledged the program’s incredible success, comparing it to a fantasy world.
USC entered the game without its star player JuJu Watkins, who suffered a torn ACL in the second round of the tournament. Despite the setback, the Trojans fought hard, led by Rayah Marshall’s impressive 23-point, 15-rebound performance. Freshman Sarah Strong also shined for UConn, posting 22 points and 17 rebounds, joining an elite list of players with such a performance in the Elite Eight or later.
UConn’s Defense Dominates, Fudd and Bueckers Lead Huskies to Victory Over USC
UConn’s defense was a key factor in their victory, forcing USC into early turnovers and limiting their three-point shooting. The Trojans struggled offensively, shooting just 32.8% from the field—their lowest percentage of the season. Meanwhile, UConn’s 10-for-22 shooting from beyond the arc was the first time USC allowed an opponent to make double-digit three-pointers this season.
USC made a strong third-quarter push, cutting UConn’s 19-point lead to just five, but the Huskies remained composed. Graduate student Azzi Fudd, who had struggled earlier in the game, came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring eight crucial points to help UConn pull away. Bueckers and Fudd combined for UConn’s first 15 points in the final frame, ensuring the Huskies stayed ahead.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Huskies celebrated their achievement with excitement but refrained from cutting the nets, a tradition reserved for championship wins. Bueckers shared emotional moments with her teammates and coach Auriemma, recognizing the significance of their journey. As she prepares for her final games in a UConn jersey, Bueckers remains focused on making this final run the best of her career.
