**SPOKANE, Wash.** — The stage is set for a dream Elite Eight showdown as UConn women’s basketball advances to face USC in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s tournament thriller. While fans envisioned a clash between two of the sport’s brightest stars, the matchup will be missing one key piece: Trojan sensation JuJu Watkins remains sidelined in Los Angeles after suffering a season-ending ACL injury during the second round.
All eyes now turn to Paige Bueckers, who’s authoring a storybook ending to her collegiate career. The Huskies’ superstar has reached new heights this tournament, setting back-to-back career scoring marks with 34 points in the second round followed by a 40-point explosion in the Sweet 16. With one more victory, the redshirt senior would secure her fourth Final Four appearance while carrying UConn’s hopes to end their championship drought.
Though the absence of Watkins tempers some of the matchup’s luster, the game still features two powerhouse programs loaded with talent. Bueckers’ historic March performance has become must-see basketball, as she averages 32.3 points per game this tournament while shooting a blistering 62% from the field. The Huskies’ leader has elevated her game when it matters most, delivering the type of legendary postseason run that could cement her place among UConn’s all-time greats.
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