Paige Bueckers’ college career hasn’t been an easy one, but that hasn't stopped her from stepping up in the biggest moments.
On Monday, Bueckers had 32 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and four steals to help UConn to its 30th-straight Sweet 16, a NCAA tournament record.
It comes a year after Bueckers missed the NCAA tournament with an ACL tear. On Monday, she said she “prayed so hard a year ago today to be in my shoes where I'm at right now."
Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack said that the Bueckers she saw on Monday – which included an NCAA tournament career-best in points – was better than the Bueckers that led her team her freshman year.
With 60 points to start the NCAA tournament, Bueckers is the first D-I player in the last 25 years with at least 60 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists through the first two games of the tournament.
"Paige was amazing her freshman year ... [Now] she's way better," Legette-Jack said. "I've known Geno since I was a freshman at Syracuse University. Paige is one of the top three that ever came through those doors."
UConn coach Geno Auriemma echoed the sentiment, but went one step higher.
"We have the best player in America," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. "The stats will tell you one thing ... But it's when they happen and how they impact the game that's so remarkable. I just think this team will go as far as she's able to carry that kind of a load.”
Now the Huskies will play 7-seed Duke in the Sweet 16, where they lost last year and their streak of 14 straight Final Four appearances was snapped by the Ohio StateBuckeyes.
"We're fortunate," Auriemma said. "We get to go back to where it ended for us last year. I think we're a different team, different mindset, and we're hoping for a different outcome."