CLEVELAND – UConn guard Paige Bueckers recalled their last NCAA tournament matchup against Iowa – a 92-72 victory in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2021 – in true play-by-play fashion.
Freshman year. COVID-bubble year. Sweet 16. Christyn Williams had a huge game. Then, Bueckers turned to Huskies coach Geno Auriemma.
“I think that’s the game I slapped you on your butt,” Bueckers said. “So that was a fun game.”
Paige Bueckers has fond memories of the last time UConn played Iowa.
“I think that’s the game I slapped you on your butt.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/kZ7VkF0ohk
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 4, 2024
Auriemma twisted his face in faux agony while the media room erupted with laughter. That incident – when Bueckers patted Auriemma, who was not looking, on the backside after Anna Makurat hit a late 3-pointer in the victory against the Hawkeyes – serves as an under-publicized reminder heading into the Women’s Final Four national semifinal matchup between No. 1 Iowa (33-4) and No. 3 UConn (33-5) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday.
UConn beat Iowa in their last tournament matchup. The Huskies also beat the Hawkeyes 86-79 in the Phil Knight Legacy championship game on Nov. 27, 2022. Auriemma has led UConn to 23 Final Four appearances and 11…
