From the opening tip-off, Bueckers set the tone.
In one of the most exhilarating performances of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Paige Bueckers delivered a career-defining performance, scoring 40 points to lead the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies past Oklahoma, securing their place in the Elite Eight. The 5’11” guard was absolutely unstoppable, slicing through Oklahoma’s defense with ease, and was the driving force behind UConn’s 88-75 victory in what turned out to be a thrilling and high-paced contest.
From the opening tip-off, Bueckers set the tone. She was in complete control, effortlessly scoring from all areas of the floor. Her pull-up jump shots were silky smooth, her three-pointers were on target, and her free-throw shooting was perfect, going 10-for-10 from the line. It was clear early on that Bueckers was not going to be denied as she was determined to lead her team into the next round of the tournament.
Oklahoma, a team that had shown resilience all season long, tried multiple defensive strategies to slow down Bueckers. They threw double teams at her, switched defenders, and tried to pressure her at every opportunity. However, Bueckers’ basketball IQ and ability to make quick decisions under pressure were on full display. She not only scored with ease but also distributed the ball to her teammates when the defense collapsed around her, resulting in several key assists.
The Sooners, led by star forward Madi Williams, tried to keep pace with UConn, and they made things interesting at various points in the game. Williams had an excellent performance of her own, finishing with 28 points and keeping Oklahoma within striking distance. However, every time Oklahoma threatened to make a run, Bueckers answered with a timely basket, silencing the crowd and the Sooners’ momentum.
Bueckers’ scoring prowess wasn’t the only thing that stood out in the game. Her leadership on the court was evident as she kept UConn focused throughout the contest, never allowing her team to get complacent. She was the vocal leader, constantly directing traffic and encouraging her teammates, making sure they stayed locked in even when the game got close. Her leadership was crucial, especially when Oklahoma cut the lead to just seven points midway through the fourth quarter. Instead of panicking, Bueckers remained calm and delivered several key plays that helped UConn regain control and close out the game.
The Huskies’ defense was also key in the victory. They were relentless on the ball, forcing Oklahoma into difficult shots and capitalizing on the Sooners’ turnovers. Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Mühl played key roles on the defensive end, grabbing rebounds and keeping Oklahoma’s offense in check when they needed it most.
With the win, UConn advances to the Elite Eight, where they will face either Stanford or Louisville in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Paige Bueckers, who has been one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball over the past few seasons, solidified her legacy even further with this career-high 40-point performance. As UConn continues its march toward the Final Four, Bueckers has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with, and this victory was another testament to her exceptional talent and determination.
