UConn's Paige Bueckers expected to miss a week after suffering knee sprain
Bueckers injured her knee diving for a loose ball during the Huskies' win over Villanova on Sunday
UConn's Paige Bueckers is expected to return to the lineup next week after suffering a knee sprain during the Huskies' win over Villanova, head coach Geno Auriemma said on Tuesday.
"Obviously, you can imagine — she's pissed more than anything about having to miss any time," said Auriemma, who added Bueckers is in "great spirits."
No. 7 UConn hosts Xavier on Wednesday before hitting the road to face Georgetown on Saturday and St. John's on Jan. 15.
“The game is a game, and we’ll figure out how to function," Auriemma said of Bueckers' absence. "We’re in a constant state of adjustments and readjustments.”
The expected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft dove for a loose ball in the third quarter and had her left leg rolled up on by the Wildcats' Jasmine Bascoe. Bueckers grabbed her left knee as she stayed on the floor in pain.
Paige Bueckers limps towards the locker room after a collision: pic.twitter.com/nbdDgibTJj
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) January 5, 2025
Auriemma added that while Bueckers' ankle is sore, no muscles or ligaments were torn.
"It's like her knee got twisted a certain way. Her ankle got twisted a certain way," Auriemma said. "It was just an awkward thing. But we're hoping that we have her back in a week."
Bueckers is averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, shooting 40.6% on 3-pointers. She finished the win over Villanova with 15 points, nine assists and three steals.
