UCLA women’s basketball showcased their strength in an impressive 80-59 victory over Oregon during their Big Ten opener on March 3, 2024, at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins, now ranked fourth in the AP Top 25, improved their season record to 9-1, demonstrating resilience against a previously unbeaten Ducks team.
UCLA started strong, quickly establishing an 11-1 lead within the first five minutes of the game. They maintained control throughout the first half, leading 19-8 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 47-21 by halftime. This early dominance was attributed to effective offensive strategies and significant contributions from key players.
Cori Close, head coach of the Bruins, acknowledged the team’s initial performance but expressed concern over their inconsistency in the second half. Despite outscoring Oregon 31-26 in the second half, UCLA allowed the Ducks to regain some momentum. “The first half was filled with great spirit and aggression,” Close noted. “However, we need to maintain that intensity throughout the entire game.”
The statistics underscore the contrast between the two halves. Lauren Betts delivered an outstanding performance, recording season highs with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots. She was a plus-28 in the first half but dropped to a plus-3 in the second. Similarly, other players like Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez experienced significant declines in their impact during the game’s latter stages.
Betts commented on the team’s defensive efforts, saying, “We did a really good job in the first half of just pressuring the ball.” Yet, she echoed Coach Close’s sentiments regarding the need for consistent performance. “We can’t let up in the second half,” she added. “That’s something we need to improve.”
The Bruins’ offensive flow in the first half was marked by remarkable ball movement, leading to 17 assists. Geena Kneepkens was one of the beneficiaries, scoring 17 points and demonstrating the team’s selfless play style. “We are all very selfless players,” Kneepkens remarked. “Once you really get to know who you’re playing with, it’s just a natural flow.”
Despite the eventual win, Close expressed her frustration with the team’s tendency to relax after building a lead. She emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive standards, urging her players to focus on each possession rather than the overall score. “This is a challenge we must address immediately,” she stated.
As the Bruins prepare for their next matchup, Close has indicated a need for a focused practice session to reinforce these lessons. “I have a plan for Tuesday’s practice, and we’ll see if that works,” she said, hinting at adjustments to be made.
With the victory over Oregon, UCLA has set a strong foundation for the remainder of their season. The team continues to demonstrate potential, but as Close aptly noted, harnessing that talent consistently will be crucial as they progress through the Big Ten schedule.
