In a commanding performance, the UCLA women’s basketball team defeated Oregon 80-59 on December 3, 2023, in their Big Ten opener at Pauley Pavilion. This victory propelled the Bruins to a record of 9-1, maintaining their position as the fourth-ranked team in the AP Top 25.
UCLA started strong, quickly establishing an 11-1 lead within the first five minutes of the game. By the end of the first quarter, they held a significant 19-8 advantage. The Bruins continued to dominate, leading 47-21 at halftime, thanks in part to a three-pointer from Lena Bilic just before the break. Despite their impressive first half, UCLA faced challenges in the second half, being outscored 33-31.
Coach Cori Close Emphasizes Consistency
UCLA coach Cori Close recognized the team’s strong start but expressed concern over their reduced intensity in the second half. “The thing that I’m really challenging them on is our consistency,” Close stated. She pinpointed the need for the team to maintain their competitive edge throughout the entire game, not just during the initial phases. “We just have to grow on not getting tired of doing it right,” she added.
Statistically, the game revealed a stark contrast between the two halves for several players. Lauren Betts had an outstanding performance, achieving season highs with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots. However, her plus-minus rating dropped significantly, from plus-28 in the first half to plus-3 in the second. Similarly, Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez saw their first-half successes diminish after halftime.
Learning from Performance
Close acknowledged that while UCLA was capable of dominating the game, they must learn from the drop in performance. “I think that there are times where we should be having blowout games because we have incredible talent,” she said. The Bruins showcased impressive ball movement, recording 17 assists in the first half alone, a testament to their offensive efficiency.
Despite the second-half struggles, players like Geena Kneepkens, who scored 17 points, highlighted the team’s selflessness and desire to win. “We are all very selfless players, and we just really want to win,” Kneepkens remarked. The collective team effort, particularly in the first half, demonstrated their potential when firing on all cylinders.
As the team prepares to address these inconsistencies, Close hinted at a focused plan for their upcoming practice. “I definitely have a plan for Tuesday’s practice and we’ll see if that works,” she concluded, underscoring the importance of adapting and improving as the season progresses.
UCLA’s next challenge lies ahead, and with their potential for greatness, the Bruins are eager to build on this victory while overcoming the hurdles that hinder their performance.
