Dan Hurley’s UConn men’s team took a bruising loss to Seton Hall, but Auriemma’s Huskies returned the favor, showing no such mercy against the Pirates. While the men stumbled, the women soared, led by Paige Bueckers, who carved her name deeper into UConn’s storied history. The problem? Is Bueckers giving her all?

According to a post by UConn on SNY, “Geno Auriemma on Paige Bueckers: She could go out there and try to get 25 shots every night if she wanted it to be that way, but she doesn’t. I just want to make sure she takes advantage of all the opportunities that she has. The more aggressive she is, the better our team is.”

The clip was from a postgame press conference after Bueckers led the Huskies to a 91-49 rout of Seton Hall. It was a performance that not only reaffirmed her dominance but also saw her surpass a legend—Diana Taurasi.

With 2,166 career points, Bueckers moved past Taurasi’s 2,156, securing her place in ninth on UConn’s all-time scoring list. She did so in a manner befitting her game—not just with buckets, but with an all-around performance: 23 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. According to the head coach, perhaps she could do more given her capability to drop a 30-point performance, which she hasn’t yet managed this season.

For all of Geno Auriemma’s experience coaching legends, Paige Bueckers presents a puzzle he’s still trying to solve. He’s pushed generational talents before—Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart—but Bueckers, with her quiet dominance and relentless evolution, is making him rethink his approach.

This isn’t the first time Auriemma has wrestled with the opinion. Earlier this season, when asked about Bueckers’ struggles in big games, he didn’t have a definitive answer. “I don’t know. I mean, it’s a real kind of conundrum, you know? Paige wants the ball in her hands all the time, then when they trap her, she doesn’t want the ball in her hands,” he admitted. His challenge isn’t just about game plans—it’s about unlocking a next level that even Bueckers herself might not yet see.

But this game wasn’t just about individual milestones. UConn extended its staggering dominance over Seton Hall, winning for the 41st consecutive time in a streak that dates back to 1994. The Pirates kept it competitive early, closing within 26-22, but Bueckers and the Huskies turned it into a rout, ending the first half on a 15-4 run. By the third quarter, the outcome was inevitable—UConn outscored Seton Hall 30-13, adding another win to their dynasty while Bueckers added another chapter to her growing legend.

Paige Bueckers makes history, but spots a bigger challenge

While Bueckers’ milestone grabbed headlines, the victory was a team effort. Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin each scored 15 points, Ashlynn Shade added 14, and Sarah Strong contributed 10. Despite a sluggish start—eight first-half turnovers—the Huskies settled in, demonstrating why they remain a force in women’s college basketball. Their efficiency was striking: 63.5% from the field, 83.3% from the free-throw line, and 20 assists on 33 made field goals.

For Seton Hall, Yaya Lops led with 15 points, while Jada Eads and Faith Masonius chipped in 12 each. The Pirates showed fight early but couldn’t sustain it. They shot just 36.5% from the field and were out-rebounded 35-21, struggling to match UConn’s intensity and execution. Bueckers, meanwhile, reached another milestone—scoring in double figures for the 100th time in 111 games. But despite all the upticks, the star guard couldn’t help but call out the Huskies’ start.

“Our response right away wasn’t great in terms of starting out aggressive, throwing the first punch. I think it shouldn’t have to take us a half to really settle in,” she noted after the game. UConn has one game against a ranked team left in their schedule. Standing 5th nationally and in power rankings, the Huskies have got to smoothen out if they look to establish dominance.

They face Butler in their last road game of the regular season next.