Geno Auriemma makes his feelings clear on Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers shortly before ending Creighton's unbeaten season

Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers dominated once more for UConn, combining for 48 points to lead the Huskies to a 72-61 victory over the Creighton Bluejays at CHI Health Center Omaha on Saturday. UConn coach Geno Auriemma discussed the star duo in a pregame chat with Fox Sports broadcaster Kim Adams.

Adams asked Auriemma what makes the combination of Strong and Bueckers so dangerous on the court. Bueckers entered the contest as the Huskies' leader in scoring and assists, while Strong led UConn in rebounds, steals and blocks.

"The biggest thing I would say is they are skilled basketball players," Auriemma said. "Some kids have a reputation. That kid’s a good shooter, that kid’s good in the lane or whatever the case may be. Both of them have a real high basketball IQ."

"They can do a lot of different things. They’re good at making plays for themselves and they’re great at making plays for other people. And they’ve developed a great chemistry together. That’s really what you need to take some of the pressure off each other," Auriemma added.

Geno Auriemma also talked about Creighton in the interview and explained why the Bluejays are a tough team to play against.

"They’re the most experienced team in the league. They might be the most experienced team in the country," Auriemma said.

"Those kids have been together for a long time. They know each other. They know how to play together. They know how to play off each other. They shoot the ball exceptionally well."

Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers deliver for Geno Auriemma in win over Creighton

Sarah Strong and Paige Bueckers showed the qualities Geno Auriemma raved about in the pregame interview, leading the No. 6 UConn Huskies to their ninth straight win with their victory against Creighton.

Sarah Strong (#21) and head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies play against the Villanova Wildcats at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on January 22, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. Photo: Getty

Strong made mincemeat of the Creighton defense, scoring 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to post her fifth double-double of the season. She previously achieved that feat in games against North Carolina, Georgetown, USC and Seton Hall.

Strong was also a disruptive force on the defensive end, recording five steals and four blocks.

Paige Bueckers continued her outstanding form since returning from a left knee sprain, scoring 22 points on 9-for-20 shooting. She shot 3-for-8 from 3-point range and made her lone free-throw attempt for the Huskies, who handed the Bluejays their first loss in Big East play.