UConn defeats Oklahoma 82-59, advances to Elite Eight

In a decisive Sweet 16 matchup, the UConn Huskies defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 82-59, propelled by Paige Bueckers' career-high 40 points. Bueckers scored 29 of her points in the second half, helping UConn overcome a halftime deficit of 36-32 with a strong 16-4 run early in the third quarter. This victory marks UConn's 18th Elite Eight appearance in the last 19 years, as they seek their 12th national title. With her performance, Bueckers also set a program record for the most points scored by a UConn player in an NCAA tournament game. The Huskies will now face the winner of the USC vs. Kansas State game in the next round. Oklahoma's Payton Verhulst led her team with 16 points, but the Sooners struggled in the second half, shooting just 7-of-28 and committing crucial turnovers.