January 19, 2025, 4:17 PM ET
STORRS, Conn. — Paige Bueckers scored 18 points to surpass 2,000 career points and No. 6 UW defeated Seton Hall 96-36 on Sunday.
The Buccaneers reached 2,001 points with a two-point jumper with 8:05 left in the first half. She reached the goal in her 102nd game, breaking Maya Moore’s program record of 108 games. Bueckers is the 12th UConn player to reach that milestone.
“It’s a huge accomplishment to get that many points in such a short period of time,” coach Geno Auriemma said. “Despite the ups and downs and missing the whole season and the next season (half), to get through it, to stay mentally locked in, to stay positive and still put in the work. It takes a lot to be dedicated, given what she’s been through, to go out there and make the shots she takes.
“I don’t know many people who work on the game as hard and as often as she does, so I’m glad she’s rewarded and I’m sure there are a few more points in her future. .”
The Buccaneers scored or assisted on 36 of College’s points in just 23 minutes and finished with seven assists.
Games Paige Backers 102 Maya Moore 108 Kelly Bascomb 112 Brianna Stewart 117 Rebecca Lobo 118
“I knew I would reach it someday,” Bookers said of the milestone. “We knew we had six more points and we hoped we could get there in the end. We didn’t want to press, we didn’t want to force the problem, it just happens naturally in the flow of the game. I just let it happen and kept playing.” Do it the right way, look for your teammates, look for my shot, play college basketball, and what’s supposed to happen will happen. ”
Freshman Sarah Strong had 23 points and 11 rebounds and Azi Fuad had 18 points for UW (17-2, 8-0 in the Big East).
Aubrey Griffin also returned to the Huskies and played in his first game since tearing his left ACL in January 2024. She had three points, four rebounds, and two assists in 10 minutes.
Jada Eads had 14 points for Seton Hall (13-5, 5-2).
Strong scored nine points during a 16-2 run that gave University a 26-7 lead over the Huskies with 1:16 left in the first quarter.
Seton Hall was playing without Savannah Catalon and Connecticut native Shaylyn Pinckney. Pinckney has missed his ninth consecutive game, and Catalon has missed his eighth consecutive game.
Alexa Philippou of The Associated Press and ESPN contributed to this article.
