The UConn Huskies secured their 6th consecutive Big East Tournament championship. However, Geno Auriemma’s recent comments outlined what essentially drives his team.

By dishing out a staggering 90-51 to the Villanova Wildcats on March 10, the Huskies marked their overall 24^th Big East title.

They’ll now be diving into March Madness as the no. 1 seed, with pressure to win the title. But postgame, the UConn coach mentioned who the real pressure is for his team.

“We're UConn, and there's pressure on us to win, obviously," said Auriemma. “I think Page is still in the picture today. Because I think they would be really, really p***** if we didn't win this thing, at the threat of her saying, ‘I knew you couldn't do it without me’.”

Last year, Bueckers led the Huskies to their 12^th title. She became the first player to win every major national player of the year award. The list included the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, the Wade Trophy winner, and the Nancy Lieberman Award recipient.

Hence, Auriemma admitted his team went into the season “with that spectre of they just lost arguably the best player in the country last year ”.

Respect for Bueckers has driven them to be the best out there, but there was also a “real drive in them to prove it, that we're worthy.”

Beyond Paige, the Huskies Proved Themselves

The Huskies had a 34-0 undefeated stretch this season, but Auriemma admitted that they were ready to tackle any win-lose columns.

The season was flawless, with plenty of motivation to win, including Bueckers’ threats. And the players did not disappoint.

“We didn't leave Tampa (with the national championship last season) saying we are going to be undefeated (this) year," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said.

"It's been an incredible run for us; these players play the best they can every night, and that's all you can ask—their best effort."

Two names that should be mentioned are Sarah Strong, who was named the Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and senior guard Azzi Fudd, who was named to the all-tournament team.

Strong’s 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and Fudd’s 19 points elevated the game when it mattered.

The Huskies are prepared for whatever happens, and the coach keeps it simple. Good play will be rewarded with victory, and lousy play will have a lousy outcome.

What really matters for the team is a chance to prove themselves. And time will tell whether UConn can create that chance or not.

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi