“I just feel like I’m not done yet here,” Paige Bueckers had said on her senior night. Cheers would engulf the room, hopes for a title still alive. But it’s almost been a year to it now and the emotions couldn’t be more unalike. After falling to Iowa in the Final Four, the Huskies started anew once again this season. But it hasn’t exactly been a campaign Bueckers would have hoped for. There are challenges to take note of and an analyst was only here to confirm her fears.
On the Elle Duncan podcast’s Love Line, Duncan and Gary Striewski were presented with a situation that was suggestive of Paige Bueckers. “My team hasn’t beaten a Top 25 opponent since before Christmas and we have a big game weekend. I have a lot on my mind with W draft quickly approaching; but how can I help me and my team finish the season strong?… Do I need to brace for disappointment?” the call read.
Well, Striewski wasn’t mincing words. Considering UConn has lost 3 Quad-1 games now and that they have a game against top-ranked South Carolina next, the host first deduced it to have come from a Husky. Narrowing it down further, he points at the WNBA reference to guess it to be Bueckers. Once clear, Striewski adds, “Paige, I think you have to believe the clues that you are being given. You have to believe the signs—not just from the universe but from your partners and everything else in your orbit… So I think, Paige Bueckers, there is true reason for concern.”
The Huskies haven’t exactly had a healthy roster this season either. Azzi Fudd, who returned from injury in December, had to sit out due to a knee sprain only a few games in. Bueckers was no immune either. The 2021 NPOY too avoided a worst-case scenario with a knee sprain, missing two games in January. Aubrey Griffin, returning from ACL is only getting back to full efforts. Ayanna Patterson, on the other hand, is missing her second straight season.
Dec 17, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) returns up court against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
But Geno Auriemma & Co., have continued their battle, incurring only 3 losses and dominating the Big East ranked no.1. The real challenge, however, is yet to come, Gary adds, and it is no pretty picture for Paige.
“I think your relationship is certainly at a crossroads with UConn, with potentially this season. And this is really gonna be a relationship tester going up against a team that is red hot mad,” the host adds.
Bueckers may be averaging 18.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, but off nights haven’t evaded her. She shot 2-of-10 from the field in the game against DePaul to total 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Auriemma hasn’t minced his words either with her inconsistency. “Paige wants the ball in her hands all the time, then when they trap her, she doesn’t want the ball in her hands,” he had said after their loss against Tennesse.
Pressure is mounting against Beuckers, who was also left out of NPOY race predictions this year. So the game against South Carolina is going to be a huge one, but the Gamecocks aren’t making it easy as Gary notes. The current No. 4 team (22-2) has been dominant all season and was unbeaten in conference play until a recent 66-62 road loss to No. 3 Texas. They are making for an exciting match up.
It’s the clash of the powerhouses soon
The South Carolina Gamecocks (22-2) will look to bounce back from their only conference loss (so far) as they take on the UConn Huskies (23-3) at Colonial Life Arena, following their game against Florida first.
UConn is coming off a dominant 78-40 win over St. John’s on Wednesday, led by Azzi Fudd’s 34 points, 1 rebound, and an assist. Meanwhile, South Carolina fell just short in a 66-62 loss to Texas on Sunday, with MiLaysia Fulwiley leading the way with 13 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. They face the Gators before they take on Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley knows it is going to be the most important one
“If you play them long enough, you’ll figure out some nuances to help you win. If you can beat UConn, you can beat anybody,” she says.
The two teams have faced each other 14 times, with UConn leading 9-5. However, it is the Gamecocks that have reigned superior in recent matchups. They have won four consecutive and 5 of the last six. This year too, the win prediction is in their favor. But the Gamecocks have stumbled against top-ranked teams and Paige Bueckers is on a mission to get things on track. Will Huskies being dominant on both ends of the floor take the win or will Gamecocks’ depth outlast them? 16th February is the day to watch out for.
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