UConn's Auriemma: Paige Bueckers Showed 'She's Still Pretty Good' in Round 1 NCAA Win

It's safe to say that UConn guard Paige Buckers was on for the Huskies' opening-round matchup in the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament.

Bueckers scored 28 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out seven assists in an effort that helped lead UConn to an 86-64 victory over Jackson State on Saturday. She also tied the school record for most points in a game without committing a turnover since 2000, matching the mark set by Tiffany Hayes in 2009, per Alexa Philippou of ESPN.

The effort comes in Bueckers' return to the tournament after missing the 2022-23 season with a torn ACL. Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma said that the performance could have served as a reintroduction to those who tune back in at tournament time.

Bueckers' play all season certainly has left little doubts about her immense talent. She averaged 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 34 games. This helped UConn earn a three-seed in the tournament and a Big East conference championship.

The Huskies advanced to the second round with the victory and will face either Syracuse or Arizona State. UConn is in the same region as USC and Ohio State, so some tough matchups could lie ahead.

Still, with Bueckers and a roster full of high-end talent, UConn should remain a force to be reckoned with going forward.