UConn women’s basketball obliterates No. 16 USC 78-64 and Paige Bueckers drops 31 points to stay perfect

No. 1 UConn women’s basketball dominated No. 16 USC 78-64 Saturday afternoon at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, extending their perfect season to 10-0 with a dominant performance. Paige Bueckers led the charge with 31 points, carrying the Huskies to victory in a top-20 matchup on the West Coast.

Bueckers Erupts to Lead UConn’s West Coast Dominance

Paige Bueckers put on a shooting clinic Saturday, pouring in 31 points to power UConn’s dominant performance against No. 16 USC. The senior guard controlled the pace and tempo with her efficient scoring, demonstrating why the Huskies remain undefeated. Bueckers’ scoring prowess set the tone early and the Trojans never recovered from the onslaught.

Beyond Bueckers, sophomore Sarah Strong contributed 22 points and grabbed crucial rebounds as the Huskies controlled the interior. The combination of Bueckers’ scoring and Strong’s all-around play proved too much for USC’s defense to handle on the road.

UConn’s Defensive Intensity Stifles No. 16 USC Offense

The Huskies’ defense held USC to just 64 points, showcasing the elite-level defensive ability that has fueled their undefeated start. UConn’s aggressive pressure and disciplined coverage limited the Trojans’ offensive options throughout the contest. Head coach Geno Auriemma’s squad forced turnovers and controlled the glass on both ends of the floor.

USC entered the game ranked 16th in the nation but couldn’t find rhythm against the nation’s top-ranked Huskies. The defensive performance underscores why UConn remains undefeated and a national championship contender.

Perfect Season Continues: UConn Remains Undefeated at 10-0

Team	Record	Notable Stats
UConn Huskies	10-0	Averaging 91.0 PPG, allowing just 51.9 PPG
USC Trojans	7-2	Ranked No. 16 nationally

With the victory, UConn remains perfect at 10-0, maintaining their position as the nation’s top-ranked women’s basketball team. The Huskies showed no signs of slowing down despite playing on the road against a ranked opponent. This performance demonstrates the championship-caliber basketball the Huskies are capable of playing night in and night out.

The undefeated season has become the defining narrative of UConn’s 2025-26 campaign under Auriemma’s legendary coaching. Each victory adds to the pressure and momentum as the Huskies aim for a deep postseason run.

Big East Contender Establishes West Coast Credentials

Traveling across the country to face a ranked opponent on the road, UConn established its credentials as a legitimate national title contender. The Huskies didn’t just win—they dominated, showing the kind of complete performance necessary for tournament success. Playing in the Galen Center, one of college basketball’s toughest venues, UConn proved it can win anywhere.

This statement victory gives the Huskies tremendous confidence heading into their Big East Conference schedule. The balanced scoring attack and stifling defense showed that UConn’s success isn’t built on one player but on a complete team commitment to excellence.

What Does This Perfect Start Mean for National Title Contention?

UConn’s 10-0 record and dominant handling of ranked opponent USC puts the Huskies firmly in the conversation as national championship favorites. The team combines elite offense, elite defense, and championship experience under Geno Auriemma’s guidance, creating a formidable combination.

With Paige Bueckers, Sarah Strong, and supporting cast continuing to perform at the highest level, UConn appears positioned to compete for a national title. The Huskies’ perfect record heading into conference play suggests they could potentially maintain this trajectory through the season. National championship contenders need to show they can win on the road against quality opponents—a box the Huskies checked emphatically against USC.

“The matchup ended with a 31-point performance by Paige Bueckers, which propelled the Huskies to a 78-64 win against the Trojans.”

— Daily Campus, UConn Athletics

Sources

• ESPN – Live game coverage and official box scores for UConn vs. USC women’s basketball
• Daily Campus – UConn athletics coverage and game recap reporting
• Sports Reference – Season statistics and team records for 2025-26 NCAAW