"This has been huge for her": Paige Bueckers praises UConn star Azzi Fudd for recent success even in Paige's absence

UConn Huskies star Paige Bueckers returned to action on Wednesday, Jan. 15, in their 71-45 blowout of the St. John's Red Storm. This marks the fourth-year sensation's first game after suffering a knee sprain in the team's 83-52 drubbing of the Villanova Wildcats on Jan. 5, which had her sit out the Huskies' next two Big East games.

In her absence, backcourt running mate and guard Azzi Fudd stepped up to the challenge. Fudd has been battling injuries from last season, but has seemingly broken off that shell as the senior dropped back-to-back 20-point games, 23 against Xavier and 21 versus Georgetown, to alleviate the scoring load while Bueckers was gone.

The duo produced respectable statlines on Wednesday with 12 markers, five boards and two steals for Bueckers while 13 points and a block for Fudd. Bueckers commended her long-time teammate after the game.

"It's just the mentality in her, the aggressive, attack, non-passive mentality. When she has confidence and go out there, showcases her abilities, it's not just shooting, it's attacking the rim, making plays on offense and defense," Bueckers said (Timestamp: 0:20).

"So, she's starting to look more and more like her confident self. I think this stretch has been huge for her," she concluded.

So, with the whole UConn Huskies squad back in complete force, their bid for a national title reclaim this season is back in full swing.

Paige Bueckers admits that the team still needs to improve on their halfcourt offense

Even with the sixth-ranked UConn Huskies sitting atop of their conference with a staggering 7-0 record, Paige Bueckers admits that they still need to work on their halfcourt offensive sets. She said they do really well on the fastbreak, but will have to put their halfcourt offense to that level to gain more success.

"Just continue to work on our halfcourt offense. We did really well in transition (tonight) and on the defensive end. But, again, just taking our time, not getting to pressed, taking care of the ball. We had a lot of turnovers tonight. Handling pressure, what to do then our first option is not there," Bueckers said (0:55).

"And, continue to attack and stay aggressive, not attack to pass but attack to score. Then, passess open up," she added.

Holding a 16-2 overall record, the UConn Huskies will now matchup against the Seton Hall Pirates on Sunday, Jan. 19, in their homecourt where hopefully Bueckers and company would run their halfcourt offense in more fluidly.