Huskies’ inside game too much for Hoosiers

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Over the past 25 years, UConn has been known for putting together lengthy scoring runs that turn tight games into blowouts.

Paige Bueckers and the Huskies put together a classic one to begin the second half against Indiana on Saturday and move into the program’s 16th consecutive regional final.

Bueckers’ three-pointer to open the third quarter began the 16-0 onslaught and the Huskies ran away from Indiana 75-58 in the Bridgeport Regional.

“We started pushing the ball in transition more; we got a few easy buckets there,” Bueckers said. “I thought we played with a lot better pace and just a lot better energy.”

Bueckers and Christyn Williams (Central Arkansas Christian) each scored 15 points and Azzi Fudd had 13 to lead UConn, which faces top-seeded North Carolina State on Monday night in an attempt to earn a 14th consecutive trip to the Final Four.

But it was in the lane where the Huskies dominated. Olivia Nelson-Ododa 10 points and 14 rebounds and Connecticut (28-5) outscored the Hoosiers 46-32 in the paint. UConn also outrebounded Indiana 39-27 including 15-2 on the offensive end.

“Throughout the season rebounding has been a point of emphasis, especially from the coaches,” Nelson-Ododa said. “Just going out there today, staying in an aggressive mentality and just keep attacking, keep crashing the boards was really huge for us.”

Ali Patberg, in her seventh year of college basketball thanks to transfer and covid-19 rules, had 16 points for the third-seeded Hoosiers, who finish their season at 249. Grace Berger had 13 points and Mackenzie Holmes added 12 for Indiana.

“I’m not a good loser,” Patberg said. “So this is not how I envisioned going out. But I’m just thankful that Coach (Teri) Moren believed in me five years ago and gave me an opportunity to wear Hoosier on my chest. I just hope that the time I had at IU people just remember how hard I played and I was a good teammate.”