Geno Auriemma says Paige Bueckers ‘might have hyperextended’ left knee

Reigning National Player of the Year Paige Bueckers fell to the floor in the final seconds of UConn’s 73-54 win over No. 24 Notre Dame on Sunday.

The sophomore had to be helped off the court after suffering an injury to her left knee.

UConn coach Geno Auriemma said Bueckers appeared to have hyperextended her knee, but she will get an MRI in the coming days.

“Initial report is that she might have hyperextended it, but I think the first thing that goes through your mind is the worst thing,” Auriemma said.

Bueckers played every minute of the game leading up to her injury. The Huskies were up by 19 points when Bueckers grabbed her leg in visible pain.

When asked why the point guard was still in the game, Auriemma said, in part, “I don’t have an answer for why she was in the game … but yeah, I don’t like our team without her on the court.”

Geno Auriemma on why Paige Bueckers was still in the game when injury happened pic.twitter.com/koxGU70Eym

— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) December 5, 2021

Bueckers recorded 22 points, four rebounds and four assists in UConn’s win, lifting the No. 2 team to 5-1 on the season.