UConn “leader” Paige Bueckers singles out 1 error in her game despite 22 points vs USF

Paige Bueckers had a solid scoring night to lead the UConn women's basketball team to an 86-49 victory over the South Florida Bulls on Sunday night. However, that didn't stop her from pointing out one issue she had during her performance.

Playing at Harry Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, the Huskies easily defeated South Florida, outscoring the Bulls by 37 points and demonstrating their superiority over their opponents.

Bueckers was particularly efficient throughout the game, scoring a team-high 22 points as she shot 9 of 10 from the field and 2 of 3 from beyond the arc. With Ashlynn Shade and Sarah Strong assisting her with 15 and 13 points, respectively, Bueckers did not have to worry about carrying the offensive load as UConn got the job done on both sides of the court.

She reflected on her performance after the game, emphasizing the importance of her taking the next step as a leader while noting one mistake she made despite the overall solid display.

"For me to be the team leader, me to want to show the younger guys how we play here at UConn, it's everything that I want to do, and I'm just trying to be more disciplined," Bueckers said.

"This is the second game in row I missed a corner crash box out. So I'm very picky with what I'm doing right now, because I'm showing the younger guys what we're supposed to do here, and so I'm just trying to lead and be an example in that way."

Paige Bueckers' performance last season and goals with UConn this year

Paige Bueckers has played her entire collegiate career with the Huskies since 2020, playing all but one season as she was injured throughout the 2022-23 campaign.

She did not miss a step when she returned the following season, averaging career-highs in points (21.9), rebounds (5.2) and blocks (1.4) per game. UConn flourished with Bueckers leading the way, finishing with a 33-6 record and reaching the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA Tournament before losing 71-69 to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the semifinals.

Currently ranked second in the nation according to the latest AP poll, UConn will look to retain its status as a national championship contender, with Paige Bueckers continuing to be the leading option on offense. The Huskies will now look forward to their next matchup, hosting North Carolina on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. ET.