Paige Bueckers reacts to Geno Auriemma's reality check about facing JuJu Watkins and USC
UConn star Paige Bueckers responded to coach Geno Auriemma telling media that USC Trojan star JuJu Watkins would beat her in a 1-on-1. Bueckers spoke to media ahead of Saturday's clash with the No. 7 USC Trojans and was asked about her coach's comments.
The star guard played it cool while discussing her coach's blunt comments.
"That's how it's always been against these matchups," Bueckers said (0:33 onwards). "Obviously, the media does their job and has the graphics, has the names... makes it easy to promote, um, in that way. But [it's] two teams against each other trying to win a basketball game, so that's how it always is."
The reporter then mentioned Auriemma's dig at Bueckers but she responded gracefully.
"Yeah, that's what he said at practice, too," she said while smiling and shaking her head.
You can watch her full pregame interview below.
Paige Bueckers and the Huskies prepare to face JuJu Watkins and the Trojans
Paige Bueckers and the No. 4 UConn Huskies are gearing up to face the No. 7 USC Trojans on Saturday night in what might be one of the most exciting games of the 2024-25 women’s basketball season.
This showdown isn’t just about two top-10 teams and championship contenders—it’s also about the battle between two of the game’s brightest stars; Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins.
The last time these teams met was in the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. While UConn secured the win, Watkins delivered an incredible 29-point performance, edging out Bueckers, who scored 28 points.
Both players have been in top form this season, and their rivalry adds extra excitement to this matchup. Bueckers is averaging 20.6 points per game on 58.4% shooting, while Watkins, coming off a stellar freshman year, leads the Trojans with 24.7 points per game.
Both teams have a 10–1 record, meaning that one of them will end the night 10-2. The game tips off at 8 pm ET on Saturday night from the XL Center, Connecticut.
Who's coming out on top, USC or UConn? Let us know in the comments!