After UConn’s win over Boston University in the season opener, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma appeared especially supportive of Paige Bueckers. “When we have certain lineups out there, we look like the kind of team that can be very, very successful… We just have to make sure we can do it with multiple lineups, rather than just one or two,” the head coach expressed post-game. It was Bueckers’ leadership throughout that had him acknowledge her standout role.

The 23-year-old stirred the game during UConn’s 86-32 thrashing of the Terriers. She finished with 13 points, five steals, seven assists, and a block in just 24 minutes. She wasn’t alone in her dominance—the entire Huskies roster was on fire, with a staggering 50-point lead.

But Beuckers’ intensity was evident, especially in the second quarter when she continued playing even after the referees blew the play dead. Instead of giving up the ball, she dribbled under the basket and launched an underhanded shot. That’s the level of focus she brings to the game.

However, her fans didn’t feel the same way. Despite contributing on both ends, many thought her performance was low. To share their perspective, they took to social media right after the game.

Here’s what fans had to say:

For some, Bueckers’ stats didn’t meet their high expectations. “She’s slow,” wrote one X user, noting that her 13 points were far below her 21.9 points-per-game average. W

“13 pts vs Boston U? lol,” added another user. Apart from her seven assists, her stats were lower than usual. But why is this such a big issue? It all began after UConn’s win over Syracuse in the 2024 NCAA Tournament second round, when Auriemma declared Bueckers the “best player in America.” This led to ongoing discussions about whether she or Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, the NCAA Division 1 leading scorer, was better. Since then, Bueckers has been under close scrutiny.

“FYI Clark didn’t score less than 20 pts once her senior year,” one brought in.

Given the Iowa’s 22-year-old sensation averaged 31.6 points during her 2023-24 season, fans couldn’t find it a standout performance from Beuckers. “She’s half as productive as Caitlin Clark,” another user remarked, comparing the two stars after this recent game. But one noted that a 30-point performance wasn’t necessary considering the team was already up 50 points by the second half.

“Before anyone starts, they were up 50 at the half, she didn’t need to take anymore shots,” one wrote. A fan also highlighted Bueckers’ impressive 100% free-throw and 55.6% field-goal percentages. So it was a complete team performance today. With Sarah Strong leading the offensive end, 4 on the team scored in double digits; 38 coming from the bench and not once letting the score be tied. As one fan penned, “everyone knows she can score.”