Paige Bueckers and UConn were wearing special sneakers as the Huskies took on JuJu Watkins and USC.

Bueckers is a Nike athlete and most recently was given her own “player edition” colorway of the G.T. Hustle 3, which she and the rest of the Huskies wore, in solidarity with the star guard. The Huskies star’s sneaker was a hit, with many sizes selling out on Nike.com and the app.

And while the star has the luxury of playing in her own signature colorway, Bueckers and the Huskies were spotted wearing different sneakers, this time commemorating another UConn legend. Instead of playing in the G.T. Hustle 3, Bueckers was spotted wearing the Sabrina 2s in a special UConn-themed colorway.

It wasn’t only Bueckers wearing the sneakers as almost every player on the roster wore them or other sneakers in the same colorway. The colorway is a colaboration between Nike and UConn legend Sue Bird’s company “Togethxr,” as both the Trojans and the Huskies were spotted wearing sneakers with the slogan “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports.”

UConn’s players also were spotted wearing shirts emblazoned with the slogan, showing their support for Bird’s venture. According to “Togethxr’s” site, the venture is meant to appeal to Gen-Z and millennial women, in a place where “culture, activism, lifestyle, sports and badassery converge,” per the CT Insider.

And while the two programs battled it out, there was a point in the game where it appeared as if USC was going to win handily, especially on hostile territory. At one point, the Trojans led by as much as 18 points, with Watkins and USC playing near perfect basketball.

Paige Bueckers #5 of the Connecticut Huskies drives to the rim against JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans during the first half of an NCAA women's basketball game at the XL Center on December 21, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut

Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins battled, with USC prevailing at the death ( 

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Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

However, the Huskies made a run in the second half, closing the gap and at one point, even took the lead, 65-64, thanks to a layup by star Sarah Strong. Bueckers then tied it up at 67 with 2:24 remaining, assisted on a layup by Strong, showing how the two were building chemistry, especially in late game situations.

Watkins then made three of her last four free throws to give the Trojans a 72-69 lead with under 20 seconds remaining in the game. USC’s star guard then fouled Strong on a 3-point attempt, giving UConn a chance to tie the game at the free throw line.

However, it appeared as if the nerves were too much for the freshman as after calmly making the first, she missed the next two attempts. After missing the third free throw, Bueckers batted the ball out and somehow, Strong received the ball outside the 3-point line.

Paige Bueckers has become the first NIL athlete to release a signature shoe with Nike

Paige Bueckers has become the first NIL athlete to release a signature shoe with Nike ( 

Image:

Nike)

While Strong had enough time to gather herself after getting the ball, the star instead heaved the ball up to the basket. Strong hit the side of the backboard with time expiring after the errant shot, giving USC the win it almost squandered. The star guard finished with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

After the game, Watkins spoke with FOX Sports and explained what was going through her mind as the seconds ticked down and Strong had one final look to win the game. “UConn, they’re the toughest competitors,” she said. “So we knew we had to get the dub. Coming off of last year, this was really important to me. I gave my all, this team gave their all. We fought to the end.

“Man, I was praying [Strong] missed one. She’s a really strong competitor. She’s just so tough. So, glad she missed those. Because I know she’s probably kicking herself in the foot but she’s a phenomenal player.”