UCLA Women’s Basketball Reclaims Dominance, Secures Big Ten Title and NCAA Tournament Berth
INDIANAPOLIS — The atmosphere within the UCLA Bruins’ locker room during halftime was heavy with a familiar sense of frustration and disappointment. Once again, their crosstown rivals, the USC Trojans, had seemingly gained the upper hand, asserting their physical dominance, outworking them on the court, and ultimately outscoring them. It was a stark reminder of previous encounters where the Bruins had fallen short against their rivals.
Just six days prior, the team had engaged in a heartfelt meeting, aiming to address their shortcomings and find solutions to their struggles. They believed they had identified the issues and developed a plan to overcome them. However, as they sat in the locker room at halftime, it appeared as though they were back to square one, grappling with the same challenges that had plagued them in previous matchups against USC.
UCLA coach Cori Close acknowledged the sense of déjà vu, admitting she wondered how her players would react to the unfavorable situation. Despite the disheartening circumstances, she observed a sense of poise and determination in their eyes. They recognized they had not performed at their best and had failed to execute the game plan effectively. However, beneath the surface, they maintained a strong belief that they could turn the tide and emerge victorious.
Close, seeking to ignite their competitive spirit, challenged them, asking them to reflect on their desires and the significance of the moment. The players responded with unwavering conviction, assuring their coach that they were committed to achieving the desired outcome. They expressed their determination to overcome the deficit and secure the victory.
The Bruins ultimately delivered on their promise, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat USC 72-67 and claim the Big Ten tournament title, along with an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. More importantly, the victory served as a powerful catalyst, rekindling their confidence and restoring their winning mentality just in time for the national tournament.
UCLA showcased their resilience by erasing a 13-point deficit in the third quarter. They implemented a stifling defensive strategy that held USC to a mere 22 points in the second half. After a Kiki Iriafen jumper with 2:17 remaining in the third quarter, the Bruins refused to allow another field goal until JuJu Watkins scored a jumper with 1:13 left in the game, a span of over 11 minutes. This defensive lockdown demonstrated their renewed focus and commitment to executing their game plan.
While Watkins, a national Player of the Year candidate, managed to make things interesting with a late 3-pointer and a layup in the final 11 seconds, UCLA largely managed to contain her offensive prowess. Watkins finished with 29 points, but it came on an inefficient 9 of 28 shooting performance. The Bruins also limited her opportunities at the free-throw line, allowing her only one attempt in the second half.
Lauren Betts emerged as a dominant force for UCLA, particularly in the second half. She scored 13 of her team-high 17 points in the final 20 minutes, showcasing her physical strength and ability to outmuscle the Trojans on seemingly every possession. She also recorded three of her four blocks during that span, including a crucial rejection of what appeared to be an easy layup attempt by Watkins.
Kiki Rice, who contributed five of her 13 points in the second half despite picking up her third foul early in the third quarter, emphasized the importance of hustle and fight in their comeback victory. She acknowledged that those were the elements that had been lacking in their previous encounters with USC. The Bruins understood that they needed to bring a higher level of intensity and determination to overcome their rivals.
UCLA had been widely regarded as the top team in the nation for a significant portion of the season. They started their campaign with an impressive 23-game winning streak, with all but one of those victories achieved by double digits. Their early-season success included a dominant victory over then-No. 1 South Carolina, signaling their potential to contend for a national championship. Furthermore, they seamlessly transitioned into their first season in the Big Ten conference, demonstrating their adaptability and resilience.
However, the rivalry with USC proved to be a significant challenge for the Bruins. The Trojans exposed weaknesses and vulnerabilities in their game, handing them two disappointing defeats.
In the first meeting, Watkins delivered a dominant performance, scoring 38 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and astonishingly blocking eight shots. In the rematch, Watkins scored 30 points, but the defeat felt even more disheartening due to UCLA’s lackluster performance down the stretch.
After the second loss to USC, Coach Close publicly challenged her team, questioning their toughness and demanding greater resolve. In response, Rice and Gabriela Jaquez organized a players-only film session, where the Bruins engaged in brutally honest discussions about their shortcomings. They made a collective commitment to address those weaknesses and prevent them from recurring in future games.
The fact that they found themselves in a similar challenging situation during the Big Ten tournament final, yet managed to overcome it, holds immense significance for their NCAA Tournament aspirations. The experience of battling back from adversity and finding a way to win can provide them with a psychological edge as they navigate the pressures of the national tournament.
Londynn Jones, who remained on the floor despite picking up her fourth foul with 6:22 left in the third quarter, acknowledged that there is still work to be done, but emphasized that the victory builds confidence. The Bruins know what they are capable of achieving, and their performance against USC served as a powerful reminder of their potential.
Jones emphasized that the team has always believed in their ability to succeed, but it was crucial for them to demonstrate it on the court. Their performance in the Big Ten tournament final served as a testament to their resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in each other.
This victory carries a significance that extends beyond the Big Ten title and the NCAA Tournament bid. It signifies the restoration of their confidence, the rekindling of their competitive spirit, and the rediscovery of their winning mentality. Given the opponent they faced and the challenges that lie ahead, this victory may prove to be even more valuable than any other achievement this season.
