In a thrilling second round of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies triumphed over the No. 10 seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits with a decisive 91-57 victory. This win not only secured the Huskies a place in the Sweet 16 but also marked a significant moment for star player Paige Bueckers, who scored 34 points, matching her career-high.
The matchup took place at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, on Monday night, March 24, 2025, where UConn fans experienced an electrifying atmosphere as their team continued its pursuit for a national championship. UConn came into this game with high expectations after defeating the Arkansas State Red Wolves with a staggering score of 103-34 in the first round. With this latest victory, the Huskies earned their 32nd overall appearance in the Sweet 16 and their fifth consecutive trip to this prestigious round.
Bueckers, a fifth-year senior, proved once again why she is a top contender for the 2025 WNBA draft, where she is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. Her performance on Monday night was a testament not only to her skills on the court but also to her determination to lead her team back to the Final Four, having brought them there three times during her career in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
“We have confidence,” Bueckers declared on the ESPN broadcast following the game. “A lot of teams are playing for a national title and we know that, so we just have to keep chipping away and giving the best versions of ourselves every day.” Her words reflected the mentality of a team that is used to winning and prepared to face any challenges ahead.
Head coach Geno Auriemma, who turned 71 this week and is in his 40th season with the Huskies, praised his team for their growth over the past month and a half. Auriemma stated, “Whenever we need something, somebody steps up and does it. We're not just the Paige Bueckers show, even though tonight we were.” This illustrates the depth of the UConn squad, which has seen many contributors stepping up recently, including freshman forward Sarah Strong, who scored 15 points, and junior Azzi Fudd, who added 17 points in this contest.
UConn's defense was as formidable as ever, having led the nation by allowing just 51.3 points per game during the regular season. Against South Dakota State, the Huskies showcased their superior skill set, racing to a 43-28 lead at halftime—and never looking back. Their dominance on both ends of the court was evident, displaying a compelling offensive strategy that resulted in high scoring and defensive plays that stifled the Jackrabbits.
South Dakota State entered the tournament after impressively defeating Oklahoma State with a score of 74-68, pulling off a significant upset as a 10 seed. The Jackrabbits showcased their resilience and efforts, with players like Brooklyn Meyer, who had a leading score of 19 points in their previous game, stepping up to challenge UConn. However, against the well-drilled Huskies, they struggled to maintain their rhythm and fell short of causing another upset.
As the game unfolded, UConn’s strategy seemed to overwhelm South Dakota State. Notably, Bueckers ignited the offense early by scoring 10 consecutive points, driving the Huskies to an early lead. After a somewhat shaky first quarter, where the teams traded leads, it was clear that UConn was the stronger side as they capitalized on their scoring opportunities.
Madison Mathiowetz, a guard from South Dakota State, expressed excitement over facing a talent like Bueckers. “Paige Bueckers is an incredible player, and we are excited to battle it out with them,” she said. Such sentiments highlight the respect Bueckers commands not only from her teammates but also from opponents. A sentiment echoed by South Dakota State senior forward Kallie Theisen, who remarked about their previous high school matchups, stating that playing on such a prestigious stage against Bueckers was truly special.
Looking ahead, UConn's victory sets them on a collision course with Oklahoma on Friday, March 28, 2025, in the Sweet 16. The challenge is undoubtedly daunting, but for a team with the caliber of UConn, it is another opportunity to further cement its legacy in women’s basketball.
As this year’s tournament unfolds, Paige Bueckers' journey is attracting more attention as she eyes her final college championship bid before moving on to the WNBA. In her own reflections post-game, she stated, “I’ve had the time of my life here. It’s been five years I dreamt of as a kid... Thank you for this season, for everything... I love you, this will always be my home.” Such poignant words articulate her gratitude and the close bond she shares with the UConn community, and the emotions seem sure to motivate her as the tournament continues.
With a storied history as the winningest program in NCAA women's basketball, the UConn Huskies are focused on the prize ahead, placing each victory as a stepping stone toward their ultimate goal—to claim yet another national title.
