University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
21-5,15-1Big East
St. John's
11-17,7-11Big East
Bueckers returns as No. 7 UConn beats St. John’s 93-38
2/25/2022 10:01:00 PM | Women's Basketball
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Paige Bueckers scored eight points in 12 minutes Friday night, returning from a left knee injury that kept her out for more than two months and helping No. 7 UConn to a 93-38 rout of St. John's.
The reigning national player of the year had not played since Dec. 5, when she suffered a tibial plateau fracture and torn meniscus in her left knee during the final seconds of the Huskies' win over Notre Dame.
Bueckers didn't start this one, but checked in with 3:41 left in the first quarter to a standing ovation with the Huskies already leading 19-4.
The fans were on their feet again after Bueckers made a couple of juke moves and drained her first shot to beat the first-quarter buzzer. The Huskies led 30-8 after 10 minutes.
"It's been challenging, hard, just having to watch the team, not being able to play and help them in practice and in game — all the rehab," she told television network SNY before the game. "It's been a mental challenge for sure, a physical challenge as well. But, I'm just so excited and I don't think words can explain how excited I am to be out there."
Freshman Azzi Fudd led the Huskies (21-5, 15-1 Big East) with 19 points. Aaliyah Edwards added 16 and Christyn Williams, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Caroline Ducharme each scored 13.
Camree Clegg and Kadaja Bailey each had nine points for St. John's (11-17, 7-11), which had won four of its previous five games.
The Red Storm was never in this one. UConn scored the game's first 17 points, led 51-19 at the half and 78-28 after three quarters.
