Where Bueckers ranks among UConn’s first-year stars
Charlotte Carroll, beat writer from Connecticut: Bueckers has had one of the best starts in UConn history and she is quickly consolidating her status as a star. She scored 181 points in her first 10 games, which is the maximum for an UConn freshman of all time, passing Breanna Stewart (169). After rolling his ankle in a victory in Tennessee, where he hit clutch 3, Bueckers lost a game, but returned to score at least 22 points in each contest. She scored double digits in 13 of the 14 matches. But perhaps the most impressive thing is his composure in great moments like this game and against Tennessee.
What are the chances of seeing a rematch in the tournament?
Carroll: Probably it will be seeds # 1 or # 2. As # 1, they would be in different regions. If the two survived, they would face each other in the Final Four or championship. Unless something happens, UConn has no more non-conference opponents left. While I was concerned about UConn’s youth entering this season, big games against South Carolina and Tennessee seem to be pushing them closer to the final tournament weekend.
What we learned about UConn
Chantel Jennings, senior women’s basketball writer: From the team’s point of view, Geno Auriemma knew that this would be the biggest defensive challenge for his group of the year, and the Huskies succeeded. While it was not the best offensive display for either team, the fact that the Huskies drew up a defensive game plan that allowed them to beat South Carolina when the Huskies hit just 13% beyond the hoop? This is not a bad thing.
And from an individual perspective, the Bueckers’ clutch performance simply cannot be overstated. Auriemma put a lot on her shoulders and she is always ready for the occasion.
What we learned about South Carolina
Jennings: Gamecocks can play late and ride races, something they were unable to do in their defeat to NC State earlier this season. But what may be the biggest lesson of this defeat is, while this team is already playing at an elite level, how much room for improvement. South Carolina failed 17 attempts around the ring, they were sloppy with passes outside and turned the ball over 22 times.
(Photo: David Butler II / USA Today)