Four teams, one crown, happiness and heartbreak—countdown to the finale of March Madness. Impressively, the four teams left in the dance haven’t lost more than three games this season. Three of them have held the number 1 ranking at some point. Three are top seeds, ready to battle it out for a spot in the championship game. But the favorites to win it all? The number 2 seed—UConn. Led by the one and only Paige Bueckers.

UConn’s next challenge? The overall number 1 seed, UCLA. But there’s more to this matchup than just two powerhouse teams. A unique storyline is brewing between Cori Close and Geno Auriemma. Back when Close was just starting her UCLA coaching career, she flew across the country to learn from Auriemma himself. Fast forward to now, and those lessons have paid off. She’s led UCLA to its first-ever Final Four. Now, she faces the mentor who once helped shape her journey this Friday.

Close has a dominant force in Lauren Betts. The star center has been phenomenal, leading the Bruins to unprecedented heights. She’s averaging 20 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. But Geno Auriemma might have the perfect kryptonite to stop the Bruins’ superwoman—Paige Bueckers.

Analyst Rachel Annamarie DeMita also thinks that Paige Bueckers and co will dance ahead despite her making the prediction of UCLA going through. She said, “She’s (Paige) on an absolute tear and with UConn playing like this with her and Sarah strong and also Azzi Fudd as well…with those girls playing like that, they’re going to be really hard to beat. And I know I said that I had UCLA winning the championship but UConn might take it now” 

Paige Bueckers is locked in. Everyone knows this is her final season, and she’s doing everything in her power to bring the championship back to Storrs. She’s been unstoppable in the big dance—116 points in her last four games! Slowing her down? That’s a challenge the Bruins will have to figure out fast if they want to win the tournament.

But for Auriemma, there’s a different reason behind Paige’s dominance this season. She’s no longer carrying the entire program on her back. The pressure has eased, and it’s showing in her game. Let’s take a look at what he has to say!

Auriemma praises Paige Bueckers

Bueckers’ career with the Huskies has been nothing short of unforgettable. Three Final Fours. One championship game. But no title—yet. This is her last shot at glory. She’s been dominant throughout the big dance, and Auriemma believes there’s a reason for that. For the first time in a long time, the Huskies are fully healthy. The weight isn’t all on her shoulders anymore.

“There have been instances … where every single opportunity she could take advantage of, she did,” Auriemma said . “Whereas before, there were too many times when she wasn’t looking for those opportunities and was just content to let things play their course, or she had the opportunity and decided to pass it up.”

“It’s just little things like that. Trying to be less of a perfectionist — that’s what I’m trying to get her to do. Be less of a perfectionist. Be okay taking a bad shot here and there”

Paige Bueckers doesn’t have to carry the whole program on her back anymore. The Huskies are healthy, and when they’re at full strength, they’re downright dangerous. Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, Paige Bueckers—one of the deadliest Big 3s in the country when fully fit. For UCLA, containing them will be a massive challenge. Lauren Betts will need to have the game of her life if she wants to keep dancing. Stay tuned for more updates!