UConn's Paige Bueckers lauds Sarah Strong's outstanding performance with a 'big' message
The No. 2 UConn Huskies opened their season with a dominant win on Thursday night, defeating the Boston University Terriers 86-32. Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong were major highlights throughout the game.
UConn's defense suffocated Boston, holding them to just 26.7% shooting from the field and 29.4% from beyond the arc. UConn excelled on offense, tallying 28 assists compared to Boston’s five. Bueckers delivered an all-around performance, recording 13 points, seven assists and four rebounds.
Sarah Strong stole the spotlight, leading UConn with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting, along with four rebounds, three assists and six steals.
On Friday, Bueckers celebrated her teammate’s standout performance, sharing a shoutout on Instagram.
"Big rah not the little one," Bueckers said.
Paige Bueckers is on pace for strong season with UConn
The Huskies tipped off the season with a victory over the Boston University Terriers. They are looking to build off a 2023-24 season where they made an unforgettable run in the NCAA Tournament.
UConn finished 33-6 last season, winning the Big East title and reaching the Final Four. Despite a 71-69 loss to Iowa, their victories over Syracuse, Duke and USC remain highlights of the tournament.
Paige Bueckers was at the heart of UConn's success last season. She led the team with averages of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Her scoring number rose to 25.8 ppg in the NCAA Tournament. With Sarah Strong now in the picture, Bueckers may have more offensive help to have a chance at returning to the biggest stage of college basketball.
With the season opener now under its belt, UConn will host the University of South Florida on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET.