In an electrifying showdown in Spokane, Washington, star guard Paige Bueckers once again demonstrated why she's one of college basketball’s most formidable talents. With a stellar performance scoring 31 points and dishing out six assists, Bueckers propelled the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies to a convincing 78-64 victory over the top-seeded USC Trojans in the Spokane 4 regional final.

This victory marks a significant milestone for UConn, clinching their impressive 16th Final Four appearance in just 17 years and their overall 24th. For Bueckers, who has yet to secure a national championship in her previous three NCAA tournament appearances, this upcoming challenge will be her last opportunity—as she gears up for the WNBA draft where she is the anticipated No. 1 overall pick.

USC, unfortunately missing their standout player, JuJu Watkins, who suffered a torn ACL in a prior match, fought valiantly against UConn's overwhelming prowess. Despite their loss, senior Rayah Marshall made waves with an impressive 23 points and 15 rebounds, boosting her team to make it an exciting contest.

As UConn prepares for their national semifinal against the No. 1 overall seed UCLA this Friday, they can take solace in their dominant performance against USC. The Huskies’ defense was relentless, stifling the Trojans and forcing 10 turnovers in the first half alone. USC found themselves without a 3-pointer until the third quarter, trailing at halftime by 14 points—marking their largest halftime deficit since the previous season.

UConn shone from the three-point line with a solid 10 for 22 shooting, showcasing their offensive depth. Notably, freshman Sarah Strong broke records by becoming the first UConn freshman to achieve a 20-point, 10-rebound game during the Elite Eight or later. Her early contributions, scoring 10 of UConn's first 14 points, were vital to building a lead after being down 11-5.

While UConn seemed to be in control, USC made a valiant effort to rally in the fourth quarter, transforming a daunting 19-point deficit into a mere five points by the end of the third period, with Talia von Oelhoffen scoring 10 points to fuel their comeback momentum.

Graduate student Azzi Fudd, who started the game rough with an 0-for-9 shooting slump, made key contributions during the final stretch, netting eight crucial points, including two pivotal three-pointers to solidify UConn's lead and secure their Final Four spot.

As the excitement builds for UConn’s next match, fans anticipate whether Bueckers can finally grasp that elusive championship ring, cementing her legacy in the annals of college basketball history! Will this be the year that UConn’s dreams come true? Stay tuned!