After a disappointing defensive performance, the eighth-ranked UConn team managed to defeat No. 20 Maryland on Thursday night by effectively shutting them down. Just four days after their loss against North Carolina State, where they fell short with a score of 92-81, Paige Bueckers stepped up and led her team to an impressive 80-48 victory, contributing 24 points and six steals. Bueckers showcased her incredible abilities on both ends of the court, proving to the college basketball world what she is capable of.

Despite being sidelined for 500 days, the Bueckers delivered a dominant performance that greatly impacted the game. In the post-game press conference, Bueckers also addressed the team’s disappointing defeat against NC, which went beyond their expectations and had a profound effect on their overall standing.

Paige Bueckers delves into defeat

In its second game of the year, No. 2 UConn was defeated 92-81 by unranked N.C. State. The Huskies’ star player, Paige Bueckers, scored 27 points, but it wasn’t enough. Even though her return to her usual self was appreciated, Conn’s offensive woes rendered them aging.

But the comeback was evident in their last game against Maryland. In the post-game interview, Paige mentioned, “A lot of discipline. We wanted to get back to UConn basketball. What we showed last weekend was very embarrassing, and we were very disappointed with what we showed, so we wanted to do the exact opposite.”

Read More: “Worst Offensive Performance”: Despite Paige Buecker’s 27-Point Resilience, UConn’s Coach Bashes #2 Team’s Early Upset

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She then went on to describe their game against Maryland. “We played extremely hard and made a few mistakes, led by me. The mistakes, but to clean them up and have a performance like this on this stage against a great opponent, it’s huge for us,” says Bueckers.

A formidable gameplay

Azzi Fudd, the starting guard for the Huskies, was injured in practice this week and could not play. Bueckers had not done this in around eighteen months—since the guard seized control of a close game, directed the offensive, and manipulated the score to suit her needs. With 15 points in the first half, Bueckers led UConn back.

UConn led 32-25 after Sellers committed her third foul as a result of her steal, layup, and free throw. Bueckers led No. 8 UConn to a victory over No. 20 Maryland with 24 points and six steals.

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After missing the whole previous season due to an ACL tear, it was the former National Players of the Year’s first statement victory. And it gave the Huskies team a lift that they desperately needed.