Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies couldn't have started the season any better, but it's what everyone expected to happen. Boston University didn't stand a chance against the No. 2 team in the nation as UConn cruised to an 86-32 win.
Freshman Sarah Strong, the No. 1 recruit in ESPNW's class of 2024, continued her dominance with 17 points (8-of-12), six steals, four rebounds, and three assists in 25 minutes. She led the starters, but freshman Jana El Alfy added 17 points (8-of-14) and 11 rebounds off the bench. Every Husky scored in what was a complete team win.
Bueckers finished with 13 points (5-of-9), seven assists, five steals, four rebounds, and one block in 24 minutes in her last first collegiate game. The BIG EAST Preseason player of the year can do it all.
Just cause she's a guard again doesn't mean she's not still Paige Blockers pic.twitter.com/CAuDKpYrGa
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 8, 2024
Bueckers has one last shot to win an NCAA championship before she moves on to the WNBA. The Huskies have played only one game but it's already evident that they have a deep team that can take them all the way. Don't forget about Azzi Fudd, who is expected to return in December after tearing her ACL and meniscus last November.
Bueckers, UConn's dominance on full display in first win of season
Huskies fans know how lucky they are to have Bueckers, and now they're feeling the same way about Strong. She doesn't play like she's a freshman. Her versatility is wildly impressive (subscription required).
THE Sarah Strong pic.twitter.com/pSoNKxasBz
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) November 8, 2024
It's never been about a lack of talent for UConn. Instead, for the past couple of years, it's been about a lack of good health. Bueckers still led the Huskies to the Final Four last season, but that was with an injury-depleted roster. Imagine what Connecticut will do this season if everyone stays healthy, especially since the Huskies now have Strong.
if sarah strong was on a different team i’d be sick to my stomach
— jay (@phee4three) November 8, 2024
Connecticut will host South Florida on Sunday, but the team's first real test of the season will be next Friday in Greensboro against No. 15 North Carolina. Guess who happened to spend part of her childhood not too far from Greensboro Coliseum? Strong. The 18-year-old has done a lot of winning in North Carolina. It wouldn't hurt to add to that total with a dub against the Tar Heels next week.
UConn's goals are much higher than winning the first three games of the season. What matters most to them will happen in March. The sky's the limit for Bueckers and this Huskies squad.