Paige Bueckers can't handle the pressure and Geno Auriemma knows it: 'She's her own worst enemy'

UConn's impressive eight-game winning streak came to an end on Thursday night as Notre Dame delivered a decisive 79-68 victory.

While Notre Dame relied on a collective team effort led by Hannah Hidalgo, UConn struggled to find balance, leaning heavily on star guard Paige Bueckers.

The loss exposed the cracks in UConn's roster, with head coach Geno Auriemma candidly addressing the team's overreliance on Bueckers and the challenges she faces under immense pressure.

In the post-game press conference, Auriemma pointed out the imbalance in the team and the strain it places on Bueckers.

"You got to take some of the pressure off of Paige, you know? And sometimes, she's her worst enemy because she over penetrates," Auriemma remarked.

"It's the try to get something in traffic and get to the free-throw line and blah blah blah. And I think she makes it a little bit harder on herself."

Bueckers, despite a strong individual performance with 25 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, faced difficulties from beyond the arc, missing all four of her three-point attempts.

She also shot 11-of-20 from the field, underscoring her effort to carry the team. Beyond Bueckers, contributions were limited.

Sarah Strong was the only other standout player with 14 points, while several teammates failed to score entirely, including Ashlynn Shade, who played 21 minutes as a starter.

Auriemma highlighted how this lack of impacts Bueckers' play.

"We need a lot of contributions, and Paige is gonna try and carry the team by herself when she thinks there aren't a lot of those contributions. And that's not good for her. And that's not good for us," he added.

Building Depth and Experience in UConn's Roster

The challenge for Auriemma lies in nurturing a young and inexperienced roster. With four freshmen and five sophomores, nearly two-thirds of the team lack significant playing experience.

Before the season began, Auriemma acknowledged this hurdle, stating, "The inexperience is something we can't do anything about."

While Bueckers' leadership is invaluable, the team's reliance on her has highlighted the need for others to step up in crucial moments.

The Notre Dame game was a clear example of how this imbalance can hinder the team's performance.

As UConn prepares to face Georgetown on December 15, Auriemma must focus on developing his players' confidence and contributions.

Addressing these inefficiencies is crucial not only for the team's success but also to prevent Bueckers from being overburdened.

Whether UConn can adapt and improve will determine their ability to compete at the highest level throughout the season.