In a thrilling showdown that lived up to its hype, the UConn Huskies defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 82-59 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on March 29, 2025. The game took place at the sold-out Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, where fans witnessed a spectacular performance from UConn's star guard, Paige Bueckers.
Coming off a sensational 34-point game in the previous round against South Dakota State, Bueckers elevated her game even further, scoring a career-high 40 points against Oklahoma. She shot 16-of-27 from the field, including an impressive 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. Bueckers also contributed 6 rebounds, an assist, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and 3 turnovers, showcasing her all-around talent.
"I just wanted to do whatever it took to win," Bueckers said after the game. "I had my teammates behind me, and we really came together in the second half to pull away. It feels amazing to help lead this team to the next round."
The game started competitively, with Oklahoma holding a slight lead at halftime, 36-32. However, UConn came out of the locker room with a renewed energy and dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Sooners 27-10. This decisive run shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Huskies.
Sarah Strong also had a standout performance for UConn, posting a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Azzi Fudd contributed 8 points, while Ashlynn Shade added 12 points off the bench. The balanced offensive attack was a hallmark of UConn's success throughout the tournament.
Oklahoma, led by head coach Jennie Baranczyk, was making its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013. Despite their strong start, they struggled to maintain their momentum in the second half. Payton Verhulst was the leading scorer for the Sooners with 13 points, while Raegan Beers, who has been a dominant force for Oklahoma this season, added 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Baranczyk, who played against UConn as a player 23 years ago, reflected on the experience. "It’s always tough to face a program with such a rich history like UConn. We fought hard, but they really turned it on in the second half," she said. "I’m proud of my team for getting this far and for the growth we’ve shown this season."
The Huskies, now with a record of 34-3, are aiming for their second consecutive Elite Eight and their 28th overall appearance. UConn's head coach, Geno Auriemma, has been at the helm since 1985 and has guided the program to an unprecedented 11 national championships.
As the tournament progresses, the Huskies will now face the winner of the USC vs. Kansas State matchup in the Elite Eight. With Bueckers in top form and the team playing cohesively, UConn looks poised to make another deep run in the tournament.
Fans can catch the upcoming Elite Eight games on March 30 and 31, with the Final Four scheduled for April 4. The national championship game will take place on April 6, promising more exciting matchups in the days to come.
As for Oklahoma, despite the loss, the future looks bright under Baranczyk’s leadership. The Sooners finished the season with a commendable 27-8 record and will look to build on this year’s success as they head into the offseason.
In summary, the Sweet 16 matchup between UConn and Oklahoma delivered an exciting display of talent and determination. With Bueckers leading the charge, the Huskies continue to chase their goal of another national title.
