NCAA Women's Championship: Regional 4 Showdown in Spokane Sweet 16 Recap

In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup of the NCAA Women’s Championship at Spokane Arena, the Oklahoma Sooners faced off against the dominant Connecticut Huskies on March 29, 2025, with coverage provided by ESPN. The game saw Connecticut stamp their authority with a convincing performance that secured them a win with a final score of 82-59.

First Half Recap

Early in the game, the score was tightly contested as both teams showed determination. Oklahoma managed 12 points in the first quarter, but the Huskies edged ahead with 17. By halftime, Oklahoma had gained some ground, bringing their tally to 24 points in the second quarter. However, Connecticut still held the lead with 32 points, thanks to their strategic gameplay.

Second Half Performance

The second half was when the Huskies truly took control. With an impressive 27 points in the third quarter and maintaining momentum in the fourth with an additional 23 points, Connecticut sealed their triumph. Oklahoma, despite their best efforts, added only 10 points in the third and 13 in the final quarter, ending the game with a total of 59 points.

Star Player and Statistics

Paige Bueckers of Connecticut shone brightly as the standout performer, scoring a remarkable 40 points with a shooting efficiency of 16/27 from the field and 2/3 from the free-throw line. While specific rebound and assist numbers were not provided, the Huskies’ all-around play was evident in their statistical advantage.

Connecticut led with a field goal percentage of 43.8% compared to Oklahoma’s 35.5%. Their three-point accuracy also surpassed that of the Sooners at 38.5% against 28.0%. Moreover, Connecticut capitalized on turnovers, forcing 23 errors from Oklahoma while only committing 10 themselves. The rebounding battle was narrowly won by Connecticut, grabbing 43 boards to Oklahoma’s 41.

For more detailed statistics, the full box score is available on ESPN.