The UConn women’s basketball team secured another win last night in a close game against the Baylor Bears. The final score was 67-62 in favor of the Huskies, and once again they were led by their star player, Paige Bueckers. However, last night’s game also saw several unsung heroes step up and make crucial plays that contributed to the team’s victory.
One of those heroes was Aaliyah Edwards, a sophomore forward from Canada. Edwards had a strong performance with 19 points and 10 rebounds, both career highs. She was crucial in the second half, scoring 11 points and grabbing several key rebounds that helped the Huskies maintain their lead.
Another unsung hero was freshman guard Nika Muhl from Croatia. Muhl played tough defense throughout the game, and her hustle and energy helped keep the team fired up. She also made a huge play late in the fourth quarter, stealing the ball from Baylor’s DiJonai Carrington and taking it all the way for a layup that put UConn up by six points.
Finally, there was Evina Westbrook, a transfer from Tennessee who had a bit of a rough start to the season but has been steadily improving. Westbrook had 10 points, seven rebounds, and six assists last night, and made a clutch three-pointer with just over four minutes left in the game that gave UConn some breathing room.
These are just a few examples of the ways in which the Huskies’ unsung heroes stepped up and made a difference in last night’s game. Of course, Bueckers was still the team’s leading scorer with 28 points, and her dazzling ball-handling and playmaking skills were on full display. But basketball is a team sport, and it takes more than one superstar to win games.
The Huskies are now 10-0 on the season and have beaten several highly ranked opponents, including Baylor, Tennessee, and DePaul. They’re looking like a strong contender for the national championship this year, and it’s clear that they have depth and talent beyond just Bueckers. If Edwards, Muhl, Westbrook, and other unsung heroes can continue to step up like they did last night, UConn will be a tough team to beat.