University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Maryland
Bueckers leads No. 8 UConn past No. 20 Maryland
11/16/2023 11:03:00 PM | Women's Basketball
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Eighth-ranked UConn bounced back from one of its worst defensive performances in years by locking down No. 20 Maryland on Thursday night and routing the Terrapins.
Paige Bueckers had 24 points and six steals in the 80-48 victory, four days after a 92-81 loss to North Carolina State.
"Just as a collective unit, we never want to show an effort again like that (against NC State) on the defensive end," Bueckers said. "It started with us older guys and then the younger guys brought it — the intensity on defense."
Aaliyah Edwards and freshman KK Arnold each scored 12 points for the Huskies (2-1). Another freshman, Ashlynn Shade, added 10 points and Aubrey Griffin had nine points and 13 rebounds.
Shyanne Sellers scored 16 points and Jakia Brown-Turner added 13 points for Maryland (1-2). The Huskies held the Terps to just 15 field goals (26% shooting) and forced 27 turnovers, leading to 29 UConn points.
The Terps have now lost two straight after falling to top-ranked South Carolina on Sunday.
"Obviously, this team is still a work in progress," Maryland coach Brenda Frese said. "Our starters have played three games together in their career."
The Terps held UConn without a field goal for more than 3 1/2 minutes in the second quarter and led by as many as five points.
But Bueckers had 15 first-half points to lead UConn back. Her steal, layup and free throw left Sellers with her third foul and gave UConn a 32-25 lead. It was the highlight of a 20-4 run to close the second quarter and the Huskies led 42-27 after 20 minutes.
UConn took its first 20-point lead at 52-31 on a steal by Bueckers and layup by Griffin and were not seriously challenged after that.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma said Bueckers "became that lightning rod that started the whole thing."
The Huskies played without starting guard Azzi Fudd, who suffered a knee injury in practice this week.
