UConn women's basketball defeated South Carolina 82-59 in the national championship on Sunday. Paige Bueckers is officially a national champion at the college basketball level. As the game drew to a close, Bueckers and head coach Geno Auriemma shared a long hug in an emotional moment.
Bueckers, who is in her fifth season with the program, endured a long journey before Sunday. She dealt with injury trouble and adversity, but Bueckers never gave up. Bueckers was going to declare for the WNBA Draft regardless of Sunday's outcome, but now she can leave UConn as a champion.
The moment, which occurred with 1:32 remaining in the game, saw Bueckers and Auriemma display plenty of emotion. Auriemma was saying something to Bueckers as Paige teared up. The reality of winning a championship -- as well as playing her final game for UConn -- seemed to all connect together in the moment.
The image will live on in UConn sports history. Auriemma is one of the greatest college basketball coaches ever, while Bueckers has established herself as a UConn legend. It will be a moment that they both will surely remember.
Paige Bueckers ends UConn women's basketball career with a championship
Bueckers enjoyed a terrific college basketball career. On Sunday, she scored 17 points and added six rebounds and three assists to go along with two blocks and a steal. Meanwhile, Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd led the Huskies by each scoring 24 points.
Strong and Fudd both played pivotal roles in the tournament. Defenses were prepared to contain Bueckers, but the star received no shortage of help from her teammates. It was a true complete team effort as UConn took down a talented South Carolina team.
What's next for Paige Bueckers?
Now, Paige Bueckers will prepare for the upcoming WNBA Draft. The draft, which is scheduled for April 14, will be the next big accomplishment for Bueckers. Barring a shocking turn of events, Bueckers will be selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Going from a national champion to a first overall pick is quite the week without question. There aren't many players who can claim to have accomplished both feats.
At the moment, Bueckers will celebrate with her UConn teammates following a tremendous 2024-25 season. The campaign featured ups and downs for UConn, but they ultimately took care of business in March and early April.