Paige Bueckers responds humbly to question about UConn fans traveling long distances to support her: "Never want to take it for granted"

Paige Bueckers' return to the UConn Huskies' starting lineup on Wednesday night was a welcome sight for her fans, who traveled to Carnesecca Arena in New York City to watch her play against the St. John's Red Storm. The UConn star thanked her supporters in the postgame press conference following the win.

Bueckers helped the Huskies record their sixth consecutive win, scoring 12 points in UConn's 71-45 victory over St. John's. She shot 4-of-7 from the floor and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. Bueckers also grabbed five rebounds and recorded two steals in her first game back since spraining her left knee against Villanova.

Bueckers and the Huskies got a boost from their fans, who made the trip to Queens, New York to see their team in action. A reporter asked the UConn star if she still gets surprised to see her supporters, including one girl who came from Florida to watch the St. John's game. Bueckers had a humble reaction.

"I never want to take it for granted and think that people are obligated to come and watch us or it’s not a blessing for people to be in the stands when we play," Bueckers said.

"So I never want to take it for granted and continue to be grateful for everybody who supports our team, especially the people who come from a long distance, who spent a lot of time, money and effort to get here.

Paige Bueckers showed her appreciation for her fans after the game, taking photos and signing autographs for them. The supporters screamed in delight as Bueckers made time for them after the final buzzer sounded.

Paige Bueckers starts strong in win over St. John's

Paige Bueckers helped the No. 6 UConn Huskies get off to a fast start against the St. John's Red Storm, scoring six of her 12 points in the first quarter. She sent the UConn fans in attendance into a frenzy when she opened the scoring with a jumper 33 seconds into the game. She then made four straight free throws to help the Huskies take a 25-10 lead after the first 10 minutes of play.

UConn guard Paige Bueckers (5) makes a move on Marquette guard Halle Vice (22) during the first half of their game at the Al McGuire Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Imagn

Two other players scored in double figures for the Huskies, who improved their overall record to 16-2. Azzi Fudd remained red-hot for UConn, scoring 13 points on 6-for-11 shooting. She is averaging 19.0 points in the Huskies' last three games. Ashlynn Shade also contributed, scoring 10 points off the bench.