Paige Bueckers’ Career-High 40 Points Propels UConn to Elite Eight
SPOKANE, Wash. — Paige Bueckers delivered a historic performance saturday, scoring a career-high 40 points to lead UConn to the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament [[1](https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/bueckers-career-high-40-lead-woman-march-madness-120302633)]. The victory marks the 18th time in the last 19 seasons that UConn has reached this stage of the tournament.
Bueckers’ Dominance Fuels UConn’s Sweet 16 Triumph
Bueckers, widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, was virtually unstoppable, particularly in the second half. Her 40 points also set a new UConn single-game record in an NCAA tournament game. She is now the frist Huskies player to score 30 or more points in three NCAA Tournament games.
elite Eight Bound: UConn Set for Rematch with USC
UConn will face No.1 seed USC in the Elite Eight, a rematch of their December contest. USC won the first matchup 72-70, although they had JuJu watkins available for that game.
Sweet 16 Saturday: Other Standout Performances
While Bueckers stole the show, other stars shone brightly during Saturday’s Sweet 16 games. Hailey Van Lith scored 26 points for TCU, and Madison Booker added 17 for Texas.
Sweet 16 Concludes: Elite Eight Field Set
UConn and USC joined TCU and texas as Saturday’s Sweet Sixteen winners. UCLA, South Carolina, LSU, and Duke had previously advanced to the Elite Eight on Friday.
USC Trojans Advance to Elite Eight Despite JuJu Watkins’ Injury
ALBANY, N.Y. — Kennedy Smith scored 19 points, stepping up in the absence of injured star JuJu Watkins, to lead top-seeded Southern California to a 67-61 Sweet 16 victory over Kansas State on Saturday. The Trojans (31-3) will now face second-seeded UConn in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday.
Trojans Overcome Adversity After Watkins’ Injury
USC, considered a title contender before Watkins suffered a torn ACL in their second-round win against Mississippi State, demonstrated resilience in her absence. Freshmen Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell, who had 18 points, were key contributors, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Elite Eight showdown.
Key Moments in the Game
USC went on a 12-0 run in the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching their largest advantage of the game. However, Kansas State (28-8) fought back, tying the game at 51 early in the fourth quarter with a layup by ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall then answered with consecutive baskets for USC.
Late-game Scramble Secures USC Victory
With the score at 60-59 after a layup by Kansas State’s Serena Sundell, Smith hit two free throws, which helped solidify USC’s narrow lead and helped earn them a hard-fought victory.
USC Trojans Advance to elite Eight, Inspired by Injured Star JuJu Watkins
SPOKANE, Wash. — The USC Trojans are heading to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Tournament after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats. Fuelled by the inspiration of their injured star, JuJu Watkins, who is sidelined, USC displayed a dominant performance overcoming an early deficit to secure the victory.
Trojans Overcome Early Deficit
Despite an excellent 22-point performance from Kansas State’s Sundell, and 12 points from Lee, the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8) fell short of their first Elite Eight appearance since 1982. Kansas State led at the half 30-28. Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built a 19-9 lead. The Wildcats briefly pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell’s layup and free throw, but USC responded with key 3-pointers from Howell and Samuels.
“JuJu Bun” Bobblehead and T-Shirts
USC arrived at Spokane Arena united in support of Watkins, sporting Nike T-shirts featuring her image. Players also passed around a bobblehead in her likeness, complete with her signature ”JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game as a sign of solidarity.
Team Dedicated to Injured star
A day before the game, Coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the team’s commitment to Watkins, stating, “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.” Watkins had hoped to lead USC to their first national title since their back-to-back wins in 2002 and 2003.
Bueckers Carries UConn to Elite Eight
In other tournament action, Paige bueckers delivered a career-high 40 points for UConn, leading the huskies to an 82-59 victory over Oklahoma and securing their place in the elite Eight. Bueckers also matched her personal best with six 3-pointers.
Bueckers Leads UConn Past Oklahoma, Huskies Advance to Elite Eight
PORTLAND, Ore. – Paige Bueckers delivered a stellar performance with 28 points, leading UConn to an 80-51 victory over Oklahoma in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The second-seeded Huskies (34-3) will now face Southern california in the regional final,aiming to extend their record with a 12th national title.
Dominant Second Half Propels UConn
After trailing by four points at halftime, UConn outscored Oklahoma by a notable margin in the second half to secure their place in the Elite Eight. Bueckers scored eight points early in the third quarter, sparking a momentum shift that the Sooners couldn’t counter.
Key Players Shine for UConn
In addition to Bueckers’ extraordinary scoring,Ashlynn Shade contributed 12 points,and Sarah strong added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Huskies. Their combined efforts helped UConn reach their fourth Elite Eight appearance in the past five years.
Oklahoma’s Early lead Fades
the third-seeded Oklahoma sooners (27-8) initially jumped to an 8-0 lead, but UConn quickly responded. Payton Verhulst led Oklahoma with 16 points, including 13 in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to maintain the lead against UConn’s strong second-half performance.
UConn’s Quest for a 12th National Title Continues
UConn, seeking their first national title since 2016, will face a tough challenge against Southern California. Last season, Bueckers led UConn to the final Four, where they lost to eventual champion South Carolina.
Game Highlights: From Early Deficit to Decisive Victory
Oklahoma started strong, leading 29-23 in the second quarter, fueled by Verhulst’s scoring. However, Reyna Scott’s 3-pointer gave the Sooners a narrow lead at halftime. In the third quarter,Bueckers’ layup extended UConn’s lead to 48-40,and a subsequent 3-pointer widened the gap to 62-46,effectively sealing the victory for the Huskies.
Texas Edges Tennessee, TCU Advances to First Elite Eight in Women’s NCAA Tournament
The Texas Longhorns and TCU Horned Frogs are moving on in the Women’s NCAA Tournament after hard-fought Sweet 16 victories. Top-seeded Texas survived a close contest against Tennessee, while No. 2 seed TCU secured their first-ever Elite eight appearance with a win over Notre Dame.
Top-Seeded Texas Outlasts No. 5 Tennessee in Sweet 16 Thriller
madison Booker’s 17 points led No. 1 seed Texas to a 67-59 victory over fifth-seeded Tennessee in a tightly contested Sweet 16 matchup on Saturday. Taylor Jones contributed 12 points and eight rebounds for the Longhorns. Booker scored seven crucial points in the fourth quarter, including four straight that broke a 54-54 tie with five minutes remaining.
Tennessee stayed close, pulling within one point after a jumper from Ruby Whitehorn, who led the Volunteers with 16 points. zee Spearman added 13 points for Tennessee. However, Texas’ defense proved to be the difference. The Longhorns forced four Tennessee turnovers in the final five minutes and held the Volunteers scoreless on their last five shot attempts. Booker sealed the win with two free throws in the final moments.
Texas will now face TCU in the Elite Eight.
No. 2 TCU Advances to First Elite Eight with Win Over No. 3 Notre Dame
TCU is heading to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history after defeating No. 3 seed Notre Dame. No details about this match were provided.
FORT WORTH, Texas – Hailey Van Lith’s dominant fourth quarter propelled second-seeded TCU to a 71-62 victory over No. 3 seed Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Van Lith scored 12 of her game-high 26 points in the final quarter, securing the Horned Frogs’ first-ever Elite Eight appearance.
Horned Frogs Advance to Elite Eight for the First Time
TCU (34-3) will face top-seeded Texas in the regional final on Monday night, with a trip to the Final Four on the line. Sedona Prince contributed 21 points to the Horned Frogs’ victory.
Van Lith Takes Over in Crucial Fourth Quarter
With the score tied at 52 early in the fourth quarter, Van Lith asserted herself, scoring five of TCU’s next six points to seize the lead and answering every Notre Dame rally.
Notre Dame’s Comeback Falls Short
notre Dame (28-6) aimed to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019. After a slow start, the Fighting Irish rallied to take a 35-33 halftime lead, but they ultimately couldn’t contain TCU’s offense in the final quarter.
Key Moments in the Game
Notre Dame surged ahead early in the third quarter with a nine-point run fueled by Olivia Miles’ impressive playmaking. However, TCU remained composed, with Van Lith making crucial defensive plays. TCU’s proficiency at the free-throw line, converting 22 of 24 attempts, including a perfect 16 in the second half, proved decisive.
Van Lith’s Journey Leads to Regional Final
Van Lith, who previously played for Louisville and LSU, is now on her way to a regional final for the fifth time in her career, showcasing her experience and impact on the court.
College Basketball Unveils NIL Initiative to Support Women’s Athletes
A new name,Image,and Likeness (NIL) initiative aims to bolster support for women’s college basketball players,offering them enhanced opportunities for brand partnerships and financial empowerment.
The program seeks to level the playing field in college sports, where women’s basketball has historically faced disparities in media coverage and endorsement deals compared to men’s sports. By connecting female athletes with businesses and creating educational resources, the initiative intends to maximize their earning potential within the NIL landscape.
The initiative will focus on facilitating connections between athletes and potential sponsors,providing resources to help players understand NIL rules and manage their brands,and increasing visibility for women’s basketball programs and players. This comprehensive approach aims to foster enduring growth and equity in women’s college basketball.
Here are two PAA (Predictive Assessment of Article) related questions based on the provided articles:
Paige Bueckers’ Career-High 40 Points Propels uconn to Elite Eight
SPOKANE, Wash.— Paige Bueckers delivered a historic performance saturday, scoring a career-high 40 points to lead UConn to the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament [[1](https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/bueckers-career-high-40-lead-woman-march-madness-120302633)]. The victory marks the 18th time in the last 19 seasons that UConn has reached this stage of the tournament.
Bueckers’ Dominance Fuels uconn’s Sweet 16 Triumph
Bueckers, widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, was virtually unstoppable, particularly in the second half. Her 40 points also set a new UConn single-game record in an NCAA tournament game. She is now the frist Huskies player to score 30 or more points in three NCAA Tournament games.
elite Eight Bound: UConn Set for Rematch with USC
UConn will face No.1 seed USC in the Elite Eight,a rematch of their December contest. USC won the first matchup 72-70, although they had JuJu watkins available for that game.
Sweet 16 Saturday: Other Standout Performances
While bueckers stole the show, other stars shone brightly during Saturday’s Sweet 16 games. Hailey Van Lith scored 26 points for TCU, and Madison Booker added 17 for Texas.
Sweet 16 Concludes: Elite Eight Field Set
UConn and USC joined TCU and texas as Saturday’s Sweet Sixteen winners. UCLA, South carolina, LSU, and Duke had previously advanced to the Elite Eight on Friday.
USC Trojans Advance to Elite Eight Despite juju Watkins’ Injury
ALBANY, N.Y. — Kennedy Smith scored 19 points, stepping up in the absence of injured star JuJu Watkins, to lead top-seeded Southern California to a 67-61 Sweet 16 victory over Kansas State on Saturday. The Trojans (31-3) will now face second-seeded UConn in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday.
Trojans Overcome Adversity After Watkins’ Injury
USC, considered a title contender before Watkins suffered a torn ACL in their second-round win against Mississippi State, demonstrated resilience in her absence. Freshmen Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell, who had 18 points, were key contributors, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Elite eight showdown.
Key moments in the Game
USC went on a 12-0 run in the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching their largest advantage of the game. However, Kansas State (28-8) fought back, tying the game at 51 early in the fourth quarter with a layup by ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall then answered with consecutive baskets for USC.
Late-game Scramble Secures USC Victory
With the score at 60-59 after a layup by Kansas State’s Serena sundell, Smith hit two free throws, wich helped solidify USC’s narrow lead and helped earn them a hard-fought victory.
USC trojans Advance to elite Eight, Inspired by Injured Star JuJu Watkins
SPOKANE, Wash. — The USC Trojans are heading to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Tournament after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats. Fuelled by the inspiration of their injured star, JuJu Watkins, who is sidelined, USC displayed a dominant performance overcoming an early deficit to secure the victory.
Trojans Overcome Early Deficit
Despite an excellent 22-point performance from Kansas State’s Sundell, and 12 points from Lee, the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8) fell short of their first Elite Eight appearance since 1982.Kansas State led at the half 30-28.Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built a 19-9 lead. The Wildcats briefly pulled ahead 19-16 after sundell’s layup and free throw,but USC responded with key 3-pointers from Howell and Samuels.
“JuJu Bun” Bobblehead and T-Shirts
USC arrived at Spokane Arena united in support of Watkins, sporting Nike T-shirts featuring her image. Players also passed around a bobblehead in her likeness, complete with her signature ”JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game as a sign of solidarity.
Team Dedicated to Injured star
A day before the game, Coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the team’s commitment to Watkins, stating, “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.” Watkins had hoped to lead USC to their first national title since their back-to-back wins in 2002 and 2003.
Bueckers Carries UConn to Elite Eight
In other tournament action, Paige bueckers delivered a career-high 40 points for UConn, leading the huskies to an 82-59 victory over Oklahoma and securing their place in the elite Eight. Bueckers also matched her personal best with six 3-pointers.
Bueckers Leads UConn Past Oklahoma, Huskies Advance to Elite Eight
PORTLAND, Ore. – Paige Bueckers delivered a stellar performance with 28 points, leading UConn to an 80-51 victory over Oklahoma in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The second-seeded Huskies (34-3) will now face Southern california in the regional final,aiming to extend their record with a 12th national title.
Dominant Second Half Propels UConn
After trailing by four points at halftime, UConn outscored oklahoma by a notable margin in the second half to secure their place in the Elite Eight. Bueckers scored eight points early in the third quarter, sparking a momentum shift that the Sooners couldn’t counter.
Key Players Shine for UConn
Along with bueckers’ unusual scoring,Ashlynn Shade contributed 12 points,and Sarah strong added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Huskies. Their combined efforts helped uconn reach their fourth Elite Eight appearance in the past five years.
Oklahoma’s Early lead Fades
the third-seeded Oklahoma sooners (27-8) initially jumped to an 8-0 lead, but UConn quickly responded. Payton Verhulst led Oklahoma with 16 points, including 13 in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to maintain the lead against UConn’s strong second-half performance.
UConn’s Quest for a 12th National Title Continues
UConn, seeking their first national title since 2016, will face a tough challenge against Southern California. last season, Bueckers led UConn to the final Four, where they lost to eventual champion South Carolina.
Game Highlights: From Early Deficit to Decisive Victory
Oklahoma started strong, leading 29-23 in the second quarter, fueled by Verhulst’s scoring. Though, Reyna Scott’s 3-pointer gave the Sooners a narrow lead at halftime.In the third quarter,Bueckers’ layup extended UConn’s lead to 48-40,and a subsequent 3-pointer widened the gap to 62-46,effectively sealing the victory for the Huskies.
texas Edges Tennessee, TCU Advances to First Elite Eight in Women’s NCAA Tournament
The Texas Longhorns and TCU Horned Frogs are moving on in the Women’s NCAA Tournament after hard-fought Sweet 16 victories. Top-seeded Texas survived a close contest against Tennessee, while No. 2 seed TCU secured their first-ever Elite eight appearance with a win over Notre Dame.
Top-Seeded Texas Outlasts No. 5 Tennessee in Sweet 16 Thriller
madison Booker’s 17 points led No. 1 seed Texas to a 67-59 victory over fifth-seeded tennessee in a tightly contested sweet 16 matchup on saturday. Taylor Jones contributed 12 points and eight rebounds for the Longhorns. Booker scored seven crucial points in the fourth quarter,including four straight that broke a 54-54 tie with five minutes remaining.
Tennessee stayed close, pulling within one point after a jumper from Ruby Whitehorn, who led the Volunteers with 16 points. zee Spearman added 13 points for Tennessee. Though, Texas’ defense proved to be the difference. The Longhorns forced four Tennessee turnovers in the final five minutes and held the Volunteers scoreless on their last five shot attempts. Booker sealed the win with two free throws in the final moments.
Texas will now face TCU in the Elite Eight.
No. 2 TCU Advances to First Elite Eight with Win Over No. 3 Notre Dame
TCU is heading to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history after defeating No. 3 seed Notre dame. No details about this match were provided.
FORT WORTH, Texas – Hailey Van Lith’s dominant fourth quarter propelled second-seeded TCU to a 71-62 victory over No. 3 seed Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Saturday. Van Lith scored 12 of her game-high 26 points in the final quarter, securing the Horned Frogs’ first-ever Elite Eight appearance.
Horned Frogs advance to Elite Eight for the First Time
TCU (34-3) will face top-seeded Texas in the regional final on Monday night, with a trip to the final Four on the line. Sedona Prince contributed 21 points to the Horned Frogs’ victory.
van Lith Takes Over in Crucial Fourth Quarter
With the score tied at 52 early in the fourth quarter, Van Lith asserted herself, scoring five of TCU’s next six points to seize the lead and answering every Notre Dame rally.
Notre Dame’s Comeback Falls Short
notre Dame (28-6) aimed to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019. After a slow start, the Fighting Irish rallied to take a 35-33 halftime lead, but they ultimately couldn’t contain TCU’s offense in the final quarter.
Key Moments in the Game
Notre dame surged ahead early in the third quarter with a nine-point run fueled by Olivia Miles’ impressive playmaking.Though, TCU remained composed, with Van Lith making crucial defensive plays. TCU’s proficiency at the free-throw line, converting 22 of 24 attempts, including a perfect 16 in the second half, proved decisive.
Van lith’s Journey Leads to Regional Final
Van Lith, who previously played for Louisville and LSU, is now on her way to a regional final for the fifth time in her career, showcasing her experiance and impact on the court.
College Basketball Unveils NIL Initiative to Support Women’s Athletes
A new name,Image,and Likeness (NIL) initiative aims to bolster support for women’s college basketball players,offering them enhanced opportunities for brand partnerships and financial empowerment.
The program seeks to level the playing field in college sports, where women’s basketball has historically faced disparities in media coverage and endorsement deals compared to men’s sports. By connecting female athletes with businesses and creating educational resources, the initiative intends to maximize their earning potential within the NIL landscape.
The initiative will focus on facilitating connections between athletes and potential sponsors,providing resources to help players understand NIL rules and manage their brands,and increasing visibility for women’s basketball programs and players. This thorough approach aims to foster enduring growth and equity in women’s college basketball.
Q&A: women’s NCAA tournament & NIL Initiative
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What is the importance of Paige Bueckers’ 40-point game?
Bueckers’ performance set a new UConn single-game record in an NCAA tournament game and is a testament to her talent and impact on the game. This is just one of her many impressive stats.
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How did USC overcome JuJu Watkins’ injury?
USC demonstrated resilience, with players like Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell stepping up to contribute significantly to the team’s success. The team rallied around Watkins, showing solidarity.
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What’s the story behind the “JuJu Bun” bobblehead?
The bobblehead, complete with Watkins’ signature hairstyle, was a symbol of support and unity for the injured star, highlighting the team’s dedication to her.
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How important is the new NIL initiative?
The NIL initiative is designed to provide women’s college basketball players with more opportunities for brand partnerships, financial empowerment, and increased visibility, addressing historical disparities in the sport. This will help build the game.
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What’s next for the teams in the Elite Eight?
UConn will face USC,and Texas and TCU will also compete. These matchups promise exciting games! Stay tuned for more action.
With exciting games and a focus on empowering female athletes, the future of women’s college basketball looks bright.Don’t miss out on the thrilling Elite Eight matchups!
