South Dakota State University (SDSU) came out firing on all cylinders, shocking the crowd with an explosive start against perennial powerhouse UConn in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Jackrabbits, known for their disciplined play and three-point shooting, jumped to an early lead, stunning the Huskies and forcing head coach Geno Auriemma to call an early timeout. However, UConn’s star guard, Paige Bueckers, took over, leading a dominant comeback that showcased her elite skillset and leadership.
South Dakota State’s Dream Start
SDSU entered the game as an underdog but played fearlessly from the opening tip. The Jackrabbits pushed the pace, capitalizing on UConn’s early turnovers and defensive lapses. Their outside shooting was red-hot, with star players knocking down three-pointers to extend an early double-digit lead. Defensively, they disrupted UConn’s rhythm, applying pressure on Bueckers and limiting the Huskies’ ball movement. The energy from SDSU’s bench and fanbase was palpable, as they looked poised for a potential Cinderella upset.
Paige Bueckers Takes Over
But as the first half wore on, the Huskies settled in. Bueckers, the former national player of the year, took matters into her own hands. She started by orchestrating the offense with precision, finding teammates for easy baskets and controlling the tempo. Then, she became even more aggressive as a scorer, knocking down mid-range jumpers, finishing tough layups, and hitting a crucial three-pointer that shifted the momentum.
Defensively, UConn tightened up, forcing SDSU into contested shots and turnovers. Bueckers spearheaded this effort, coming up with key steals and pushing the ball in transition. By halftime, what had been a double-digit deficit was trimmed to just a few points, setting the stage for a dominant second half.
UConn’s Second-Half Surge
After the break, UConn completely flipped the script. Their suffocating defense shut down SDSU’s outside shooting, and the Jackrabbits struggled to generate offense against the Huskies’ length and athleticism. Meanwhile, Bueckers continued her offensive onslaught, scoring at all three levels and displaying the poise that has made her one of the top players in the country.
SDSU fought hard to regain momentum, but the physicality and experience of UConn proved too much. The Huskies controlled the boards, limiting second-chance opportunities, and forced SDSU into rushed shots late in the shot clock. With each highlight play from Bueckers—whether it was a smooth step-back jumper or a crafty assist—the Huskies pulled further ahead.
Closing It Out
By the fourth quarter, UConn had built a commanding lead, and the game was effectively over. Bueckers finished with a stellar performance, stuffing the stat sheet with points, assists, and steals. SDSU, despite their valiant effort, couldn’t maintain their hot start against UConn’s defensive adjustments and Bueckers’ brilliance.
Conclusion
South Dakota State proved they could compete with the best, but UConn’s experience and Bueckers’ star power were the difference. This game served as a reminder of why UConn remains a title contender and why Bueckers is one of the most electrifying players in women’s college basketball.
