Paige Bueckers Sparks UConn Victory Over St. John’s in Comeback

In a triumphant return to the court, superstar Paige Bueckers led the UConn women’s basketball team to a commanding 71-45 victory over St. John’s at Carnesecca Arena. After missing two games due to a left knee sprain, Bueckers resumed her role in the starting lineup. She contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals in under 23 minutes of play. This win not only showcased Bueckers’ resilience but also highlighted UConn’s depth and defensive prowess. As Bueckers inches closer to becoming the 12th UConn player to reach 2,000 career points, the team gears up for their next challenge against Seton Hall.

Paige Bueckers’ Impactful Return

Paige Bueckers wasted no time making her presence felt on the court. From her off-balance jump shot that scored UConn’s first points to her leadership throughout the game, Bueckers demonstrated why she is a key player for the Huskies. Despite her limited playing time, she quickly found her rhythm. In the first five minutes of the third quarter, she scored six points. She ended the game with a solid performance.

First Quarter Dominance

UConn came out strong in the first quarter, largely due to Bueckers’ return. The Huskies shot an impressive 71.4% from the field, 50% from three-point range, and 100% from the free-throw line. Sophomore Ashlynn Shade capped off the quarter with a buzzer-beater three-pointer, giving UConn a 25-10 lead.

Challenges in the Second Quarter

The second quarter proved to be more challenging for UConn, as St. John’s tightened their defense. The Huskies struggled to maintain their offensive momentum, going over five minutes without a field goal. However, their top-ranked scoring defense held the Red Storm to just 11 points in the quarter.

Azzi Fudd Shines

Azzi Fudd emerged as a bright spot for UConn during the second quarter. Shooting 50% from both the field and beyond the arc, Fudd led the team with nine points in the first half. Her performance was crucial in breaking UConn’s scoring drought and maintaining their lead.

Second Half Surge

Bueckers found her stride in the second half, contributing significantly to UConn’s offensive efforts. She and Fudd combined for eight points, initiating a 10-2 run that stifled St. John’s offense. Despite their struggles with three-point shooting, UConn’s balanced offensive attack and strong defense kept them in control.

Team Effort

UConn’s victory was a result of a collective team effort. Ten different players scored, with Fudd leading the way with 13 points. Ashlynn Shade also added 10 points, marking her second consecutive game in double figures. The team’s defensive intensity was evident, as they forced 15 turnovers and capitalized with 17 points off those turnovers.

Coaching Strategy

Head coach Geno Auriemma managed Bueckers’ playing time carefully, ensuring she did not overexert herself in her first game back. Auriemma’s strategy of mixing lineups allowed him to evaluate which players fit best together. However, it sometimes led to confusion on the court.

Developing Talent

Auriemma highlighted the growth of redshirt freshman center Jana El Alfy, who had a strong first half with six points and three rebounds. Her development is a testament to UConn’s ability to nurture and develop young talent, ensuring the team remains competitive.

Looking Ahead

With Bueckers back in action and the team showing depth and resilience, UConn is poised for continued success. As they prepare to host Seton Hall, Bueckers is just six points away from reaching the 2,000 career points milestone. Achieving this in her 102nd game would make her the fastest in program history to do so.

Key Takeaways

• Paige Bueckers’ Return: Bueckers’ return bolstered UConn’s performance. She showcased her impact on both ends of the court.
• Defensive Prowess: UConn’s top-ranked scoring defense played a crucial role. It limited St. John’s offensive opportunities.
• Team Depth: Contributions from multiple players highlighted UConn’s depth and balanced offensive attack.
• Coaching Strategy: Auriemma’s careful management of Bueckers’ playing time and lineup adjustments were key to the team’s success.

For more detailed insights and a full breakdown of the game, visit the original article.