UCONN Basketball The Paige Bueckers star wanted to thank her fans for the last time she played her last collegial game at Gampel Pavilion.
Bueckers aligned with a high career of 34 points to help Huskija to progress up to their 31th Sweet 16 appearances with a wicked to blow over the South Dakota State in a woman NCAA Tournament on Monday.
UCONN guard Paige Bueckers addressed the fans after the last game at Gampel Pavilion at the end of the match in the second round against the South Dakota State at the NCAA tournament, Monday, March 24, 2025, at Storrs, Connecticut. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
For the fifth year, the senior received permanent standing ovation from the sale audience as she left the field just minutes before the last home game was over.
Click here for more sports covering on foxnews.com
“That means all,” Buueckers said. “We started playing here with the cards of cardboard as fans, so we just went through it and then experienced the other side, which was amazing. The atmosphere was amazing. You can’t hear the time, you can’t hear the offenses, you can’t even hear when the whistle blows just how loud they are and how much support they show.
“It was a dream to play here, a dream to wear this uniform, a dream to play in this environment. As you still want it to continue to happen more times, just take advantage of every opportunity you have and never take it for granted.”
But it was a kind gesture of Buueckers, who contributed to the atmosphere on Monday night.
UCONN HUSKYES CARE PAGE Bueckers goes upstairs after defeating Jackrabit of the South Dakoto in Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on March 24, 2025. (David Butler II-IMAGN Pictures)
CT insider They reported that Buueckers had bought 1,500 tickets and gave them fans as a way to thank them for their support.
“They gave me so much and gave me so much team, support,” she said, through the socket. “We wouldn’t be where we are without them. They are the best supporters in the country. You see it in the environment like tonight. They are my friends. They are my peers. They are the people I go to classes with.
“I was just trying to get back as much as they give us, because it means all. To be able to support and make them, so our last home game this year was a great environment, it was cool to do.”
UCONN The guardian of Paige Bueckers drives a basket against the South Dakota state during the NCAA tournament, Monday, March 24, 2025, in Storrs, Connecticut. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Click here to get the Fox News app
Uconn on Saturday in Spokane, Washington crossed Oklahoma to The Sweet 16, where Buueckers will look like he will win the national championship before he crosses to Wnba draft as the expected total number 1.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on xand subscribe to Bilten Fox News Sports Huddle.
