Two of the most destructive ballers from UConn’s senior class, Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards need no introduction. This dynamic duo has been creating chaos across locker rooms with their phenomenal skills and ruthless attitude. Moreover, they are setting exceptional examples of leadership. They are putting the collective needs of the team ahead of their personal scores. Both of them have been missing out on much of the action. This was due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in their freshman and sophomore season.
In addition to this, Paige Bueckers has been on the receiving end of some season-ending knee injuries that eclipsed her career. Now as they enter their senior season, the question that everyone is asking is if they are the most lethal combination in the NCAA women’s division at present.
How is Paige Bueckers making an impact this season?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Paige Bueckers holds a formidable position in the current four-guard lineup of the Huskies. However, head coach Geno Auriemma decided to use her more in the forward position. Consequently, she is the leading scorer in the team. She has scored 250 points in the competition so far with a stellar average of 19.2 points per game. Additionally, she is the team’s best shooter from beyond the arc. Bueckers currently has a 50% accuracy from the 3-point range. Further, she has also displayed tremendous efficiency in her free throws with a 79.6 % success rate. Her contributions from the field average 53.9% as well.
As she is busy making the most of this position, she doesn’t forget to look after UConn’s freshmen guards. She is making sure that point guard KK Arnold realizes her potential in that position. At the same time, Paige and Edwards control the offensive front. Undoubtedly, coach Geno has built a balanced team. However, it is also essential to notice how much of that balance relies on Paige. Ever since her freshman season, the 2021 National Player of the Year has taken up the responsibility to basket more scores every season.
Read More: Paige Bueckers’ UConn Huskies Turn the Tide, Sweep Headline Honors Despite Injury Woes
While Paige Bueckers is unquestionably keeping the team up and running, Aaliyah Edwards has also made an immaculate effect on the team’s scoring as their only remaining forward.
What’re the contributions of Aaliyah Edwards so far?
An injury-driven UConn locker room has Edwards being the lone forward on the team. Nonetheless, she has embraced the challenge and has stepped up and delivered. The explosive 6 ft 3 in athlete has been the other catalyst apart from Bueckers behind UConn’s dominance in the Big East this season. She has been the driving force behind the Huskies’ attack on their opponents on multiple occasions. Her tenacity on the court has been one of the reasons why UConn has won 11 out of 14 games so far this season.
Edwards is only behind Bueckers in terms of scoring. She currently has 221 points in her bag while maintaining an average of 17 points per game. However, she has grabbed 110 rebounds at a rate of 8.5 per game which is the most in her team right now. Also, she holds a slight edge over her charismatic teammate in field goal percentage with a 58.5 efficiency. The Big East Player Of The Week is second when it comes to assists and steals.
While it is their bold moves off the court or opponent-slaying shots on the court, Huskies have proven time and again that they are not backing down for any reason.
An insight into UConn’s campaign
It would be foolish to rule out the Huskies as one of the favorites for the NCAA title this year. Despite the bad things, the team has shown tremendous guts and character to keep their campaign up and running. From being understaffed to season-ending injuries to their key players, the Huskies have faced far too much this season to drop to their knees now. Moreover, apart from their defeats against the Texas Longhorns, the UCLA Bruins, and the NC State, they have looked in total control otherwise. Their dominant victories in the rest of their matchups are further proof of why the 2022 NCAA Finalists are a force to be reckoned with. Eventually, they sit at the top of the Big East as a result.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is extremely difficult to contain the pair of Bueckers and Edwards when they are in full flow. However, it is also not a surprise when the UConn Huskies play the match as one rather than individuals coming together. It is always perplexing for the fans to watch this impeccable team play against their opponents.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think about UConn’s exemplary duo? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch This Story: What Happened to Angel Reese’s Boyfriend Cam’Ron Fletcher?