STORRS, Connecticut (AP) – UConn guard Paige Bueckers has suffered a left knee sprain, escaping a severe injury.
She will not play in Wednesday’s match against Xavier.
Bueckers hurt her knee during the third quarter of UConn’s victory against Villanova on Sunday. Coach Geno Auriemma mentioned she might be absent for several games.
“It’s merely a sprain,” Auriemma mentioned on Tuesday. “There is nothing damaged, there is nothing insane about it.” Her knee twisted in one direction, while her ankle twisted in another direction. It’s simply an uncomfortable situation. “We are optimistic that we will have her back within a week.”
Bueckers exited the Huskies’ 83-52 victory against Villanova on Sunday when Villanova freshman guard Jasmine Bascoe fell onto the left leg of the UConn All-American while attempting to secure a loose ball on the floor. Bueckers hobbled off the court with 1:17 remaining in the third quarter and did not come back.
Bueckers is at the forefront of No. 7 UConn (13-2, 4-0 Big East) with an average of 19.9 points per game and is tied for the team lead with 29 three-pointers as they prepare for Wednesday’s home match against Xavier.
Bueckers was named the national player of the year during her freshman year. However, injuries restricted her to only 17 games during the subsequent two seasons. She has begun the last 54 games over the previous two seasons, with Sunday’s matchup at Villanova marking the 100th of her college career.
“When individuals have experienced something previously, there is a fear of facing a similar situation again,” Auriemma stated. “That is the first response.” Once that is eased… She is fantastic. “I dedicated a significant amount of time conversing with her yesterday and today.”
Auriemma mentioned that Ashlynn Shade, the current Big East Freshman of the Year, will take a spot in the starting lineup with Bueckers out.
Shade began playing for UConn earlier in the season while guard Azzi Fudd was recovering from a knee injury.
“I believe Coach (Auriemma) effectively encouraged us to be true to ourselves,” said UConn senior guard Kaitlyn Chen. “We each contribute something unique, so it’s not as if we’re aiming to replace her.” “Everyone simply has to contribute a bit more of their strengths.”
Leave a Reply