In a commanding performance on Monday night at Gampel Pavilion, the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies decisively ended No. 10 seed South Dakota State’s impressive 20-game winning streak with a 91-57 victory, securing their place in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 for the 31st consecutive year.
The Jackrabbits started strong, taking an early lead with contributions from Maddie Mathiowetz. However, the Huskies responded assertively, overtaking South Dakota State by halftime. A pivotal 14-0 run in the second half, spearheaded by senior guard Paige Bueckers, solidified UConn’s dominance. Bueckers delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 34 points, including 21 in the first half. Her versatile play captivated the sellout crowd of 10,299, who showed their appreciation with multiple standing ovations as she exited the court in her final game at Gampel Pavilion.
Reflecting on her time at UConn, Bueckers expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support from fans throughout her collegiate career, especially noting the contrast from playing in front of empty stands during the pandemic to experiencing the energy of a packed arena. She even purchased 1,500 tickets to ensure a vibrant crowd for her final home game.
UConn’s defense was instrumental in stifling South Dakota State’s offense, holding them to 57 points and effectively ending their season with a 30-4 record. This victory also extended UConn’s remarkable streak to 98 consecutive wins against first-time opponents.
Looking ahead, the Huskies are set to face No. 3 seed Oklahoma in the Sweet 16, aiming to continue their pursuit of a national championship. Bueckers emphasized the team’s collective focus on advancing further in the tournament, underscoring their determination and unity.
