“Lot of Mistakes that I Made”: Humble Paige Bueckers Dismisses Illegal Screen Call Reflecting on Loss vs Caitlin Clark and Co.

Paige Bueckers chose a modest and graceful answer in the post-game conference after the Huskies lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four. The highly anticipated matchup ended with more controversy than expected. With UConn trailing by 1 point with mere seconds remaining, Bueckers was effectively guarded by Hawkeyes Gabbie Marshall. Aaliyah Edwards’ screen to free Bueckers resulted in an offensive foul, eventually handing Iowa the game. Many, including LeBron James, and Kendrick Perkins, have criticized the call.

However, during the post-game conference, Bueckers clarified her stance on the matter. Amidst the huge uproar on social media, Bueckers tend to focus on the positive aspects of situations rather than dwelling on mistakes. She said, “Everybody can make a big deal out of that one single play, but not one single play wins a basketball game. … There was a lot of mistakes that I made.”

Bueckers didn’t have the best of nights. She had 17 points on 7-17 shooting from the field, considerably less than her tournament average of 28. However, it wasn’t just her who struggled. Even Caitlin Clark didn’t have her best game today as the matchup turned scrappy quite early. With the game so tightly contested, a foul like this would naturally upset the fans and cause a rift. And it was evident on social media.

Even LeBron James is upset about the foul call

While many cheered for Clark and the Hawkeyes’ 71-69 over the Huskies, numerous also voiced their disapproval of the foul. What’s interesting is Bueckers herself stated there were numerous mistakes in question, and the officials also clarified the ruling. LeBron James, who watched the game sitting back at home, took to X and wrote, “NAAAAAHHHHHH!!! I ain’t rolling with that call.”

Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum wrote, “To call that on a game-deciding play is so wrong WOW.” Denver Broncos WR Josh Reynolds also took to his social media to express his disappointment. “Legitimately one of the worst offensive foul calls I’ve ever seen… Let alone with 4 seconds left & the game on the line. Feel sick for Aaliyah Edwards & UCONN. There’s just no world where this is a moving screen. Brutal.”

Numerous have continued to criticize the referees for calling the foul unfair. Others explained how Edwards’ screen wasn’t illegal. Angel Reese was also shocked by the officiating and expressed it on X. Well, as Bueckers suggested, these setbacks shouldn’t stop or deviate them from their goals. The show must go on. What is your take on this? Let us know in the comments section below.

READ MORE: Who’s Caitlin Clark Facing Off in 1st Round of March Madness? Everything You Need to Know About Iowa’s First Opponent in NCAA Tournament