UConn’s Paige Bueckers Diagnosed with Knee Sprain, Expected to Return in a Week

The star guard avoided serious injury and will miss at least two games, with her return targeted for next week.

Paige Bueckers suffered a left knee sprain during UConn's win over Villanova on Sunday after a collision with a Villanova player late in the third quarter.
Head coach Geno Auriemma confirmed that there is no structural damage, and the injury is less severe than initially feared, comparing it to a minor sprain teammate Azzi Fudd experienced earlier this season.
Bueckers, UConn's leading scorer with 19.9 points per game, will miss games against Xavier and Georgetown but could return next week if her recovery progresses as expected.
This injury marks another setback for Bueckers, who has faced significant injury challenges throughout her collegiate career, including a torn ACL in 2022.
Freshman Sarah Strong and reigning Big East Freshman of the Year Ashlynn Shade are expected to play larger roles in Bueckers' absence as UConn prepares for upcoming games.