“Such a bittersweet moment”: College hoops fans react as Aubrey Griffin’s mom hypes up UConn star’s comeback from ACL injury

Aubrey Griffin stepped back onto the basketball court for the first time in over a year during UConn’s emphatic 96-36 win against Seton Hall at Gampel Pavilion on Sunday. Griffin, a sixth-year veteran, had been sidelined for 381 days after tearing her ACL in January 2024.

Adding to the emotional weight of her comeback, Griffin’s mother was seen supporting her from the stands. A video shared by Overtime WBB highlighted this touching moment with the caption:

"It’s mom’s cheering for meeee."

Fans were quick to react, commenting:

"Such a bittersweet moment"

"I also reacted this way and then literally cried so happy she’s back," someone else said.

"I love this for her!!!!!! " another fan said.

"Family is everything, " another comment reads.

"So happy she’s back! One of my faves!!" some other comment came.

"The love was so real and felt through the tv!!" someone else said.

"I screamed in my room, "another fan said.

College fans react as Aubrey Griffin’s mom hypes her [Picture Credit: Overtime WBB]

Griffin's return drew a standing ovation from the packed arena. The energy soared even higher when chants of “Aubrey! Aubrey! Aubrey!” reverberated through the stadium as head coach Geno Auriemma sent her in during the second quarter.

Playing 10 minutes, Griffin contributed three points, four rebounds, and two assists. As noted by CT Insider, Griffin’s ability to impact the court has always been a hallmark of her game.

Despite the harsh weather conditions threatening the area, Huskies fans showed up in full force for UConn’s first home game of 2025. The victory improved their overall record to 17-2 and extended their perfect run in Big East play to 8-0.

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After Aubrey Griffin's comeback, Paige Bueckers hits a historic milestone

While Aubrey Griffin’s return was an emotional highlight, another historic moment stole the spotlight on the night. Redshirt senior Paige Bueckers etched her name in UConn’s record books.

Scoring a jumper at the 8:05 mark in the second quarter, Bueckers reached 2,000 career points, making her the 12th player in program history to achieve this milestone. Remarkably, she accomplished this feat in just 102 games, the fastest in the program’s illustrious history. Bueckers finished with 18 points and seven assists.

The game also saw a standout performance from freshman Sarah Strong, who recorded her fourth double-double of the season. Strong dominated with 23 points and 11 rebounds, shooting an impressive 9-for-11 from the field, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.

Graduate student Azzi Fudd added to the team’s firepower, contributing 18 points and extending her streak of double-digit scoring games to four.

The Huskies' victory over Seton Hall was a testament to their all-around strength and teamwork. UConn shot 56.5% from the floor and an impressive 53.1% from three-point range. Their defense was equally sharp, forcing 19 turnovers and converting them into 27 points.

Aubrey Griffin’s return bolsters UConn’s lineup, particularly in the post. During her last full season in 2022-23, Griffin averaged 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, starting in 30 matchups. With the win, UConn continues to dominate the Big East and remains a top contender in women’s college basketball.

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