‘Going to miss being a Jackrabbit': SDSU reflects on UConn loss
STORRS, CT (KELO) — The SDSU women's basketball team reached the NCAA Tournament for the 13th time in program history this year. After claiming a win over Oklahoma State, the Jackrabbits were paired with one of their toughest games in program history against UConn.
SDSU found a way to muddy the waters early in Monday's game, jumping out to an 8-2 lead.
Bueckers, UConn overwhelm SDSU in NCAA Tournament
'I was fearful that the game would be played like it was played that first quarter. That it would be four quarters of that,' UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said.
'Early in the game, I thought we were fresh, I thought we were in a good place,' SDSU head coach Aaron Johnston said. 'Their pressure starts to wear on you, so not only physically are you worn down, but a couple mistakes and you lose a little bit of your mental edge. Then it can turn into a run, which they did a good job of.'
UConn led by five after the first quarter and carried that momentum into the second, fueled by SDSU mistakes.
'We shot the ball pretty well from the field, it was just turnovers and points off of turnovers,' Johnston said. 'We've got to find a way to handle that kind of pressure better when you play teams like that, but to their credit, they don't make it easy.'
Paige Bueckers led the way for the Huskies, scoring 34 points and shooting 66% from the field.
'It's incredible to watch, but you almost feel sorry for the other team, because when Paige is locked in, there's nothing you can do to stop here,' UConn senior Azzi Fudd said. 'It doesn't matter what shot she takes, the ball is going to go in.'
'I thought our effort was good. She made a lot of tough pull-up jumpers, made some shots behind screens,' Johnston said. 'She just did things that are really hard to stop.'
SDSU now closes the books on a 30-4 overall season, ending the careers of four seniors.
'Being a Jackrabbit has been the best thing,' SDSU senior Pagie Meyer said. 'Playing the last game with them, it kind of all sunk in there. I just love this group so much. It's been a very special year and I'm really going to miss being a Jackrabbit.'
'To kind of be on this stage, with a team that's certainly at a different level right now, both nationally and how they play and the impact they have,' Johnston said. 'But to remind our players that they can have that same impact locally. They can be that light for somebody else. That's a really powerful message and one that I hope stays with them as they move on.'
Paige Meyer, Kallie Theisen, Madysen Vlastuin and Mesa Byom are the four seniors for SDSU.
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