Women’s basketball: Bueckers injured in No. 7 Connecticut ‘s 83-52 win over Villanova 

This article covers only the first quarter of the Women’s Basketball game between No. 7 Connecticut and Villanova.

Redshirt senior Paige Bueckers exited No. 7 UConn’s (13-2) game against Villanova (7-8) in the third quarter on Sunday after twisting her left knee while diving for a loose ball at mid-court.  

The Huskies were able to build on the already-sound lead, catapulting to a 31-point victory over the Wildcats, whose cold second and third quarters aided in the Husky romp. Sarah Strong led Connecticut scorers with 21 points on 75% (9/12) shooting. The freshman shot all but three of her field goals from inside the arc, hitting two of those three triples to go along with seven baskets from under the rim and one foul shot.  

“No matter what Sarah does out there, it doesn’t surprise me,” said Geno Auriemma post-game. Strong’s 21 points notched her third 20-plus point outing in five games and sixth overall. Her 75% mark from the field fell just shy of a career high (80% vs. Louisville). 

Strong started the day’s scoring by burying a three from the right wing. Jana El Alfy missed on the ensuing Husky possession from down low but avenged it with a make on her next opportunity. The two combined for Connecticut’s first nine points, pushing a different style of offense than fans are used to seeing from the Huskies. 

“We have to be more of an attacking, get-to-the-basket team,” said Auriemma. Perhaps in preparation for the more dominant personnel the Huskies will see later this season (Particularly Creighton, Tennessee and South Carolina), Auriemma may be honing in his offense’s focus on paint points and lane stretching.  

UConn outscored Villanova 48-8 in the paint, muscling through the play of El Alfy and Strong who continually found themselves open at the rim. Under the basket this season, the Huskies have shot 68.9% (144/209) – which is 11.3% above the national average – but have yet to find its stable presence down low, rotating between El Alfy, Strong and Brady in the post.  

Strong’s second – and final three pointer – of the night came off the first media timeout of the game, stretching the UConn lead to eight, where it stayed until the end of the quarter.  

Although a disadvantage in the rebounding category burdened the Huskies after one period, a 14% advantage in FG% held together a 23-15 lead.