A basketball player in white jumps to shoot while surrounded by opposing players in black jerseys during a game.

Paige Bueckers Scores 14 Points in UConn’s Loss to Tennessee

ByCoach

In a highly anticipated matchup between two storied women’s basketball programs, UConn’s Paige Bueckers faced a challenging night against No. 17 Tennessee.

Despite an off shooting performance, Bueckers still managed to contribute significantly to her team’s effort, showcasing her versatility and resilience.

This article delves into Bueckers’ performance, the game’s key moments, and what this means for UConn moving forward.

Paige Bueckers’ Performance Against Tennessee

UConn basketball’s star guard Paige Bueckers had a tough outing against the Tennessee Volunteers on Thursday night.

Although she scored 14 points, her shooting was below her usual standards, hitting only 5 of 16 shots from the field.

Bueckers, who is a top contender for player of the year and the expected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, fell short of her season average of 19 points per game.

Shooting Struggles

Bueckers, who typically shoots at an impressive 54.4% from the field, managed only 31.2% in this game.

Tennessee’s defense played a significant role in limiting her effectiveness, forcing her to take tough shots and disrupting her usual rhythm.

  • Shooting: 5 of 16 from the field
  • 3-Point Shooting: 2 of 6 from beyond the arc

Contributions Beyond Scoring

Despite her shooting woes, Bueckers still made crucial contributions in other areas.

She dished out eight assists, displaying her ability to facilitate and create opportunities for her teammates.

Additionally, she grabbed four rebounds and recorded one steal, highlighting her all-around game.

  • Assists: 8
  • Rebounds: 4
  • Steals: 1

Key Moments in the Game

The game was a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging leads and making big plays down the stretch.

Bueckers had a significant moment late in the game when she hit a game-tying three-pointer with under two minutes remaining. However, Tennessee quickly responded with a three-pointer of their own to regain the lead.

Late-Game Drama

With UConn trailing 80-76 in the final seconds, Bueckers had a chance to narrow the gap but missed a crucial three-pointer with just four seconds left. This miss sealed the victory for Tennessee, handing UConn their first loss since December 21.

Top Performers

While Bueckers was the second-leading scorer for UConn, forward Sarah Strong led the team with a game-high 18 points, shooting an efficient 8 of 13 from the field.

Strong’s performance was a bright spot for the Huskies in an otherwise challenging game.

  • Sarah Strong: 18 points on 8 of 13 shooting

Impact on UConn’s Season

This loss to Tennessee serves as a wake-up call for the No. 5 Huskies, who had been on a winning streak since late December.

The game highlighted areas where the team needs to improve, particularly in handling defensive pressure and making clutch plays in critical moments.

Learning Opportunities

For Bueckers, this game offers valuable lessons in overcoming adversity and finding ways to contribute even when her shot isn’t falling.

Her ability to distribute the ball effectively and involve her teammates will be crucial as UConn moves forward in the season.

Looking Ahead

As the Huskies prepare for their upcoming games, they will need to regroup and focus on their strengths.

Bueckers’ leadership and all-around skills will be pivotal in guiding the team through the remainder of the season and into the postseason.

For more details on Paige Bueckers’ performance and the game against Tennessee, you can read the full article on USA Today.

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