STORRS, Conn. — With 11 national championships, there is no question that UConn Women’s Basketball is one of the most dominant powerhouses ever known to sports. This March, the team assumes an unfamiliar role: an underdog.
Depleted by injuries, the 29-5 Huskies boast a solid record but haven’t been unbeatable like in past years. All five of the team’s losses this season were by double digits to teams currently ranked in the top 11; teams that the Huskies likely must defeat if their past tournament success is to be replicated.
For the Big East regular season and tournament champions to bring an improbable NCAA championship trophy back to Storrs, former National Player of the Year Paige Bueckers, former All-American Aaliyah Edwards, and gritty team leader Nika Muhl must elevate their games and play at a high level.
Paige Bueckers
As one of the most prolific players in the women’s game, Bueckers needs to continue where she left off in the Big East Tournament, averaging 27.7 points per game and securing 8.3 rebounds per game. The 6-0 junior guard (a senior academically) also registered four blocks and shot above 50% from the field.
After missing most of the 2021-2022 season and all the 2022-2023 campaign with knee injuries, Bueckers bounced back in a big way this year, averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game over 34 contests. For significant stretches of the season, the Big East Player of the Year put the team on her back, carrying the Huskies to an undefeated record in conference play.
If UConn expects to advance to its 30th consecutive Sweet 16, or even its 23rd Final Four, Bueckers will have to lead the way. She’s more than capable of putting together a string of memorable performances, and her teammates will look for her to continue improving during the season’s most meaningful games.
If UConn succeeds, it will take more than Bueckers, however. Her teammates must meet her halfway.
Aaliyah Edwards
Edwards, a third-team All-American in 2023, averaged a career-high 17.8 points in 2023-2024. Throughout 32 games, Edwards, a 6-3 senior forward, nearly averaged a double-double with 9.3 rebounds per contest. She also shot 59.4% from the field and averaged 1.7 steals and .9 blocks on the defensive end.
Despite her success, Edwards was no stranger to the injury bug that caused five Huskies to miss the remainder of the season, as she broke her nose during a victory against Marquette in the Big East Tournament semifinals. Nonetheless, Edwards is expected to play in the NCAA Tournament, beginning for UConn in just over a week.
If Edwards can dominate the paint and finish strong at the rim, as she has often throughout her UConn career, the Huskies will be well-positioned to compete. If she can take her game to new heights, UConn will have a chance to beat the top teams it has failed to defeat all season.
Nika Muhl
The unquestioned heart and soul of the Huskies, Muhl, a 5-11 senior guard, announced on March 8 that she won’t return to Storrs for her fifth year of eligibility. Hoping to end her UConn career on a high note, Muhl will be sure to leave it all on the court.
This season, Muhl averaged 7.1 points, 4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game, shooting 47.5% from the field. While her numbers are far from flashy, one cannot discount the effort and leadership Muhl brings to the team. If there’s a loose ball on the floor, chances are Muhl will be the first to get it.
For UConn to advance deep into March, or even early April, Muhl must perform at an elite level on the offensive end by finding open teammates, shooting efficiently from three-point range and getting to the free throw line consistently.
On defense, the two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year must wreak havoc, making life miserable for opposing guards. If she can excel on both ends of the court, UConn could shock its critics in the coming weeks.
X-Factors
Two freshmen are X-Factors for the Huskies entering March Madness. Ashlynn Shade, a 5-10 guard, and Ice Brady, a 6-3 forward, have stepped up when called upon this season. As injuries have mounted, both players have been thrust into more critical roles.
Shade averaged 11 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game this season and shot 49% from the field. Named to the McDonald’s All-American Team as a high school senior, Shade did not disappoint in her first year in Storrs, emerging as a consistent three-point shooter and reliable free throw shooter. For UConn to advance to the second weekend of the tournament or beyond, Shade must continue her growth.
Brady, also a 2023 McDonalds All-American, averaged 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and one assist this season but has come on strong as of late. In place of the injured Edwards, Brady scored 13 points and 8 rebounds, playing a full 40 minutes against Georgetown in the Big East Tournament title game on March 12. Especially if Edwards is to get in foul trouble, or is plagued by her broken nose, Shade must be a powerful presence on the block in the NCAA tournament.
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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