WHEN BIRD ARRIVED in Storrs ahead of the 1998-99 season, UConn had only one national championship. Four seasons earlier, Lobo led the Huskies on a magical 35-0 run to a title in Minneapolis. Like Lobo before her and Taurasi who played on after her, Bird helped build what is now considered one of sports' greatest dynasties.

UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers is one of the biggest stars in the game and projected No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, and her NIL deals reflect that.

After the win, Bueckers spoke to SNY UConn sideline reporter Chelsea Sherrod for an interview. According to Sherrod, Bueckers told her that she had "blacked out" during her 19-point fourth-quarter run but remained excited about the performance.