UConn adds Portuguese guard after loss of Bueckers

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — UConn added another point guard to its roster after losing star Paige Bueckers for the upcoming season to a knee injury earlier this month.

Inês Bettencourt, a 5-foot-9 guard from the Azores in Portugal, will join the team as a freshman, the school announced Friday.

“Inês is a true point guard. She loves to distribute the ball and can make shots,” coach Geno Auriemma said. “She’s used to playing in the European style of ball movement, ball screens, lots of 2-man game, 3-man game. I think she’s a tough kid and a great competitor. I’m thrilled that we were able to find her.”

Bettencourt joins 6-3 forward Ice Brady and 6-2 forward Ayanna Patterson in the Huskies’ freshman class.

She will provide depth for the Huskies behind junior Nika Mühl, who is expected to start at the point while Bueckers rehabs the torn ACL in her left knee.

Bettencourt played for Clube União Sportiva in the Azores and recently led Portugal to the championship game in the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship, Division B, where she averaged 14.4 points.

She becomes the fifth international player on the Huskies, joining Mühl, Aaliyah Edwards (Canada), Lou Lopez Sénéchal (France) and Dorka Juhász (Hungary).

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