UCLA coach Cori Close said she appreciates UConn players Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers after coaching them; she also learned from Geno Auriemma.

Calling them a "great team," Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd know UConn will have their hands full against USC even without having to face JuJu Watkins. They related their own experiences recovering from serious knee injuries and also talked about working with a sports psychologist to navigate the ups and downs both on and off the court.