UConn has a storied history of iconic duos gracing the hardwood including Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi & Maya Moore and Tina Charles. Last season, Aaliyah Edwards and Paige Bueckers were in perfect sync, carrying the Huskies to great heights. But this season, there’s a new duo emerging: ‘Paige Buckets’ and Sarah Strong. Their growing chemistry is creating magic on the court and leading to some “perfect passes.”

After UConn’s dominant win over Iowa State in the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase, Sarah Strong caught the spotlight. And when a reporter asked her about a slick assist to Paige for a three-pointer, Strong’s response was peak camaraderie. “I’d say that’s part of the chemistry,” she shared. “When I drove, I saw like four girls, and I was like, there’s no one’s going up with this. I was happy she was up there.”

By the way, Strong said this while wearing a Nike Paige Bueckers hoodie. If that doesn’t scream team spirit, what does?

The freshman had every reason to smile post-game as she walked away with the MVP award after dropping a career-high 29 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in UConn’s 101-68 rout of Iowa State. 

Paige Bueckers wasted no time hyping up her teammate and showing her support just like Strong herself, sharing UConn’s post on Instagram, writing, “Super thumbs up.” These two clearly have each other’s backs, on and off the court. However, the win was an all-around team effort. 

The fifth-year senior was right there, adding 27 points, while Ashlynn Shade chipped in with a career-best 27 of her own, hitting seven threes in the process.UConn’s blistering 36-10 first quarter, powered by Shade’s early heroics, set the tone for the game. The Huskies also broke a school record with 20 made three-pointers.

Between Strong’s MVP-worthy outing and Bueckers’ leadership, this pair is proving to be unstoppable. Together, they’re averaging 37.9 points per game, often leading the Huskies in scoring, rebounds, and assists. Can they keep the momentum against JuJu Watkins and her crew?

Paige Bueckers and Co. prepare for the big showdown against JuJu Watkins’ Trojans

The Huskies will host the Trojans this Saturday night at the XL Center in Hartford. This game has all the makings of an instant classic, pitting two of the nation’s top players—Bueckers and Watkins—against each other. The last time these two stars faced off was in last year’s Elite Eight, where UConn edged USC 80-73. 

Both players were phenomenal. Watkins recorded a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Bueckers responded with a near-identical stat line of 28 points and 10 rebounds. It’s safe to say their rematch will be one to watch. Moreover, both teams share a common opponent in Notre Dame.

The Trojans faltered in the fourth quarter against the Fighting Irish, resulting in a 74-61 loss. UConn, on the other hand, the Huskies struggled from three-point land and lost 79-68. Coming back to the upcoming game’s lineup, Geno Auriemma is expected to stick with his core lineup.

For USC, JuJu Watkins will lead the charge alongside Kiki Iriafen and the team. Now, ‘Buckets’ and Strong have a chance to prove their mettle in what could be the game of the season. Can they rise to the challenge and outplay USC?