Uncasville, Conn. — No. 9 UConn showcased their resilience once again on Saturday, securing an 86-53 victory over ninth-seeded Providence in the Big East quarterfinals despite facing adversity.
Paige Bueckers led the charge with an impressive 29-point performance, propelling top-seeded Connecticut (27-5) to victory. Despite losing star center Aaliyah Edwards midway through the second half due to a facial injury, the Huskies maintained their dominance on the court.
Freshman KK Arnold contributed 17 points to the winning effort as UConn extended their streak of conference semifinal appearances to an impressive 36 seasons. Edwards, who tallied 12 points before exiting the game, left her status for the remainder of the tournament uncertain.
Playing with a limited roster of just eight available players due to multiple season-ending injuries, UConn faced yet another challenge. However, the team rallied together, demonstrating their unwavering focus and determination on both ends of the court.
Providence, led by Grace Efosa’s 23 points and eight rebounds, put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against the powerhouse Huskies. Despite trailing by only 10 points at halftime, the Friars couldn’t maintain momentum in the second half.
The game took a turn when Edwards suffered an injury after taking an elbow to the face, prompting concern for the senior center. However, UConn responded emphatically, outscoring Providence 45-18 for the remainder of the game.
“Once Aaliyah went down, we kind of called a huddle and we were talking about just how locked in we were going to have to be, how extra focused we were going to have to be, said Bueckers, who finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in the win.”
Bueckers, showcasing her versatility with nine rebounds and six assists, played a pivotal role in guiding UConn to victory. Her stellar performance, including a crucial three-pointer late in the game, helped secure the win for the Huskies.
With Edwards returning to the bench in the final minutes of the game to a rousing ovation, UConn closed out the game with a resounding victory, setting their sights on the upcoming Big East semifinal clash against No. 5 seed Marquette.
Looking ahead, UConn aims to maintain their momentum as they face Marquette in what promises to be an exciting semifinal showdown on Sunday. With their sights set on postseason success, the Huskies remain determined to overcome any challenges that come their way.
