Geno Auriemma praises Paige Bueckers' disciplined work ethic after UConn guard accomplishes major feat

Geno Auriemma watched history unfold on Sunday after Paige Bueckers joined the exclusive 2,000-point club in the UConn Huskies' 96-36 victory over the Seton Hall Pirates at Gampel Pavilion. Bueckers scored 18 points to lead the Huskies to their seventh straight win.

Bueckers accomplished the feat with 8:05 remaining in the second quarter, burying a jumper to reach the 2,000-point milestone in her 102nd game for UConn. She broke the record set by the great Maya Moore, who needed 108 games to join that elite club.

Bueckers joined Breanna Stewart and Moore on the short list of UConn women's players who have had at least 2,000 points, 400 rebounds, 400 assists and 200 steals in their careers. Auriemma praised his star player's work ethic in the postgame press conference.

"I think the points signify something. Obviously, they mean a lot," Auriemma said (Timestamp 3:53). "To be able to put that many points on the board in that short period of time is one tremendous accomplishment."

"To be able to do it in spite of the ups and downs, missing an entire season and a third of another season. To stay mentally locked in, to stay positive and to still be committed to putting the work in."

"There’s a lot that goes into being able to be out there and make the shots that she makes given what she’s been through."

Geno Auriemma lauded Paige Bueckers' disciplined work ethic, seeing it first-hand during their time together at UConn.

"I don’t know too many people that work at the game as hard and as often as she does, so I’m glad that she’s being rewarded. I’m sure there are a few more points in her future," Auriemma said.

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

Paige Bueckers powered the No. 6 UConn Huskies in their win over the Seton Hall Pirates, scoring in double figures for the 16th time this season. She shot 6-for-10 from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. She also dished out seven assists and grabbed two rebounds in 23 minutes of action.

UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (#5) reacts after a basket against the Seton Hall Pirates in the second half of their NCAA game at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Photo: Imagn

Bueckers got some help from Sarah Strong, who scored 23 points on 9-for-11 shooting. She was lights out from deep, knocking down all three of her 3-point attempts. Strong also had 11 rebounds to record her fourth double-double of the season.