Geno Auriemma praises JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers despite UConn defeat to promote women's sports

The JuJu Watkins' USC Trojans took over the Paige Bueckers UConn Huskies on Saturday, December 21. It was a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s Elite Eight clash. Played at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, the game lived up to its billing as a showdown between two of the brightest stars in women’s college basketball.

In front of a packed crowd of more than 16,000 fans, No. 7 USC pulled off a dramatic 72-70 win over No. 4 UConn. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma, a seasoned leader with 40 years of experience, praised the significance of the game for women’s sports. Auriemma said:

"I'm happy that we can put two players like that on the floor that the whole country is familiar with and wants to see play well.”

“To drive up here and know there would be 16,000 people here plus the game on national television doesn’t seem like we’re talking about the same universe,” he said.

“But this is what happened and where we are today. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Auriemma also acknowledged Watkins and Bueckers as ambassadors of the sport. He noted:

“Both have their unique styles of playing.”

Watkins finished the night with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Her defensive effort, particularly a crucial block against Bueckers in the third quarter followed by a smooth dribble move and score, epitomized her dominance.

Speaking about the significance of the moment during the post-game interview, Watkins said:

“I think it’s a testament to when you give women’s basketball a platform, we’re going to perform. Tonight was an excellent game... it was beautiful to be a part of.”

Despite the victory, Watkins reflected on the difference between Saturday’s game and last season’s postseason defeat to UConn. She said:

“It was an Elite Eight game; clearly, it weighs differently. Last year it meant a little bit more. Avenging that was important.”

Bueckers scored 22 points and showed her characteristic poise in high-pressure situations. She embraced the matchup with Watkins saying:

“Playing against great players, you embrace the matchup and have fun in the moment. It’s very important for the game to continue to grow and have these types of matchups. For people to not shy away from it and to embrace it and schedule more opponents like these.”

Paige Buecke USC dominates early but fends off JuJu Watkins UConn's comeback

USC stormed out by building an 18-point lead at one point. Watkins led the charge, and her teammates followed suit with sharp execution on both ends of the court. However, UConn showed resilience in the second half.

Freshman Sarah Strong played a key role in the Huskies’ rally, scoring crucial points and demonstrating strong chemistry with Bueckers. A late layup from Strong even gave UConn a 65-64 lead with just minutes left in the game.

In the final moments, Watkins sank three out of her last four free throws, putting USC ahead 72-69 with under 20 seconds left. A critical foul by Watkins on Strong’s three-point attempt gave UConn a lifeline, but the freshman missed two of her three free throws. Bueckers managed to tip the rebound to Strong who had an open shot from beyond the arc. However, Strong’s rushed attempt hit the side of the backboard as time expired, sealing USC’s hard-fought victory.

USC’s win took their record to 11-1, solidifying their position as championship contenders. Meanwhile, UConn, now 10-2, will regroup as they prepare for future challenges.