By John Fanta

The legend of Paige Bueckers wrote its greatest chapter yet on Monday night, shining on as bright as the stage can be this time of year in women’s basketball. 
 
Through 36 minutes, the battle between top-ranked South Carolina and second-ranked UConn was everything one would expect in a showdown of top teams, with the two squads tied at 50 and heading down the home stretch. But it was then that the experienced Gamecocks kicked it up to another notch, showing why there’s a No. 1 next to their name and possessing a four-point advantage with just two minutes left in Storrs.
 
What proceeded to ensue inside Gampel Pavilion was the latest moment of greatness from Bueckers, who, through 16 games in a Huskies uniform, has already shown that there’s really nothing she can’t do. The freshman willed UConn on Monday, scoring the Huskies’ final 13 points in as many minutes in a classic 63-59 overtime win for Geno Auriemma’s team. In total, Bueckers’ 45-minute masterpiece resulted in 31 points, six steals, five assists and four rebounds. She became the first player in the history of the Huskies’ program to post three consecutive performances of 30-or-more points. 
 
The remarkable run by the BIG EAST Freshman and Player of the Week was capped by a magical three-pointer that went in after hitting the heel, giving UConn the four-point advantage with 10 seconds left in overtime. While Bueckers wowed the nation, nobody in a white jersey was surprised. 
 
Junior forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa and freshman guard Nika Muhl shared the same response on the shot: “We just knew it was going in.” 
 
“She’s able to make the play that has to be made,” said Auriemma. “I’m always surprised when she shoots the ball and it doesn’t go in.” 
 
So, what does Bueckers credit for her superstar skillet? 
 
“Just knowing the work that I put in, it gives me confidence to know how hard I’ve worked for these moments. In close games, I’ve really worked hard to shine in those moments,” said Bueckers. “It’s just the confidence that my coaches give me, that my teammates give me. When you have teammates that screen for you and pass the ball to you when you’re open, they really leave you no choice but to be confident and hit those open shots.”
 
While South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley was unhappy with the Gamecocks’ second loss of the season, she was pleased with her team’s fight through an off-shooting night, and acknowledged the difference in the game, Bueckers.
 
“She’s a player,” said Staley. “She makes big shots when her number is called, time and time again.” 
 
But UConn has had countless generational talents. Diana. Breanna. Maya. Rebecca. Tina. Sue. And the list goes on and on. 
 
But Bueckers’ case is unique, and you can feel it in Auriemma’s words. 
 
“It’s been a long time since one player’s had to carry a team as much as she’s had to in some of these games,” said the Hall of Famer. “There’s not much you can say. She’s that player. She’s that player that, you know, comes along that people talk about. ‘Hey, did you see that kid from Connecticut?’ She’s that kid.” 
 
Auriemma proceeded to draw Bueckers comparisons that included Billy Joel on the piano, and even football Jim Brown in the backfield. 
 
And again, we’re talking about someone who is playing the 16th college game of their career. On Monday, the top team in the country was not able to find an answer for Bueckers, no matter how hard they tried. It felt otherworldly. Getting to do it in front of her family, who was allowed in for the first time this season due to some lifted COVID-19 restrictions, makes it that much more special.
 
“Just having my family there to watch me, to put that UConn jersey on, it’s the first time my dad’s ever seen it live. It means a lot. The blessings that I’ve been given, the opportunities that I’ve received, it’s all so crazy to me that I’m playing at my dream school,” said Bueckers. 
 
The only part about Monday night that surprised her? 
 
“Going 1-for-6 for three was pretty disappointing,” she said with a laugh. 
 
But for Bueckers, this is the vision she had when coming to Storrs. Now, the country is watching it come to fruition. 
 
“I went to UConn to play in games like this.” 
 
There are many more to come.