Women’s March Madness 2025: UConn’s Paige Bueckers ties career high in final home game as Huskies advance

With 3:38 remaining in No. 2 seed UConn’s 91-57 win over No. 10 seed South Dakota State in the second round of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament, Paige Bueckers walked off the floor for the last time at Gampel Pavilion. She did so to a standing ovation after pouring in 34 points, tying her career high, to go along with three rebounds, four assists and four steals. 

Following the game, Bueckers took the public address announcer’s microphone and addressed the adoring crowd as coach Geno Auriemma and her teammates watched on. 

“On behalf of our seniors, our whole entire team, I’ve had the time of my life here,” Bueckers said. “It’s been the five years I dreamt of as a kid. I can’t thank you enough, we can’t thank you enough for all the support. Thank you for making this a second home. Best supporters in the country. Thank you for this season, for everything. We’d love to see you in Spokane. Thank you for everything.”