Paige Bueckers reacts to rusty UConn game after return from injury

Paige Bueckers finally made her much-anticipated return on Wednesday night, helping the UConn Huskies record a 71-45 victory over the St. John's Red Storm at Carnesecca Arena. She scored 12 points in her first game back since suffering a knee injury in the game against the Villanova Wildcats on Jan. 5.

Bueckers returned to her customary role in the starting lineup, shooting 4-of-7 from the field. She was automatic at the charity stripe, making all four of her free-throw attempts. The UConn star struggled, however, with her outside shooting, missing both of her attempts from beyond the arc.

Bueckers, who also had five rebounds and two steals in 22 minutes of action, opened up about her performance against St. John's in a chat with SNY reporter Chelsea Sherrod after the game.

"Good. I mean, coming back, you just want to get your feet wet a little bit," Bueckers said. "Get used to playing. Get used to going up and down. Get used to the physicality of it."

"First half, not as great. Second half, more aggressive. Just grateful to be back on the court with the girls."

Paige Bueckers immediately showed the Huskies what they were missing in their past two games, scoring the opening basket against St. John's 33 seconds into the contest. She finished the first half with six points, four rebounds and two steals. Bueckers scored all of those points in the first quarter.

Bueckers matched that offensive production in the second half as she scored in double figures for the 15th time this season. She has been a vital cog for coach Geno Auriemma, averaging 19.4 points through 16 games. Bueckers needs just six more points to join the 2,000-point club.

Paige Bueckers gets offensive help from Azzi Fudd in win over St. John's

One player who stepped up during Paige Bueckers' absence was Azzi Fudd. She scored 23 points in UConn's 81-27 win over the Xavier Musketeers before exploding for 21 points in the Huskies' 73-55 victory over the Georgetown Hoyas.

Azzi Fudd (#35) of the UConn Huskies handles the ball in their NCAA game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Entertainment & Sports Arena on January 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo: Getty

Fudd once again led the Huskies in scoring against St. John's, dropping 13 points in the rout. She shot 6-for-11 from the field, including 1-for-2 from beyond the arc. Ashlynn Shade was the other player to score in double digits for UConn, recording 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting.