Paige Bueckers scored 21 of her 23 points in the first half and No. 3 UConn held Villanova without a field goal for more than 16 minutes to beat the Wildcats 82-54 on Sunday, advancing to the Big East championship game.

After what looked like the possibility of a close game in Sunday’s Big East semifinals against Villanova, the UConn women finished out the game with a big win. “I think everyone starts to sweat when it gets a little close like that,” explained Rob D’Onofrio, UConn junior.

Paige Bueckers scored 23 points to help No. 3 UConn advance to the Big East tournament championship game with an 82-54 victory over Villanova on Sunday in Uncasville, Conn. Sarah