Paige Bueckers's legendary college basketball career came to a fitting end Sunday as she helped lead the UConn Huskies to their 12th national title. And they did it in style by blowing out Dawn Staley's very talented South Carolina team, 82–59, in Tampa.
Bueckers, who will most likely be the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft next week, had 17 points in her final game. One of the lasting moments on the court happened as she subbed out one last time and shared a hug with her head coach, Geno Auriemma, who had a sweet message for one of the best players he's ever coached at UConn.
Later in the locker room UConn shared an iconic photo of Bueckers, who seemed to be overcome with emotions while taking it all in.
Take it all in.
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) April 7, 2025
Paige Bueckers, National Champion pic.twitter.com/8OxY6LxU4c
Fans rightfully loved that.
THE AURA. https://t.co/vnUX8MNI3I
— angie - CHAMPS (@5ngie__) April 7, 2025
This is hard. https://t.co/XxPOllKsyc
— Sarah (@sarah_oliviaa) April 7, 2025
As the kids say aura? https://t.co/7P722owowj
— jeremy d (@JJCompassion) April 7, 2025
— Shaun Bradley® (Sdot) (@Sdot_Bradley5) April 7, 2025
Nah this fire. https://t.co/mEDnYWozmP
— WE WANT THE GOLD SUCKA! (@kinglos__) April 7, 2025
Hang it in the museum https://t.co/wskcNOC16c
— John “Supi” Supowitz (@ImThatSupi) April 7, 2025
This photo is cold https://t.co/4hVG3CdXfK
— The B.O.A.T. Commish ⛵️ (@BOATcommishFF) April 7, 2025
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Paige Bueckers’s Iconic Locker Room Photo After UConn's NCAA Title Win Loved by Fans.