Los Angeles- Eighth ranked UCla women’s basketball showed its ability to play as one and fight at night through some uglyness that it shared the spotlight with five players on senior night.
Despite the decrease in the second half, the Breins’ team’s efforts resulted in a 53–45 win over the number 13 Colorado at the Pauli pavilion on Monday night and went into three-way tie for the second place with two matches in PAC-12.
Coach Core Close told reporters after the game, “There is going to be a time below the road that we are going to be a tough aggressive night.” “And we are going to say, hey, remember that Colorado game? We know how to do it.”
Kiki Rice had 20 points to go with nine rebels, four assistance and three blocked shots with UCLA (22–5, 11–5 in PAC-12 Play). Karishma Osborne scored 14 points and Lauren Bates caught nine rebounds.
The AP returned to the top 10 in the rankings, Breens blew 12-points, first-half lead before recovering in the third quarter behind Rice and Osborne.
“It gives us great confidence in this last week of PAC -12,” said Osborne. “This is the first time we have won three in a row in a long time.”
In the first half, Quay Miller ignited 13–2 runs to open a third for Buffalo, for the theft of Tamia Sadler and a 32-31 lead by basket, before his game. Bruce performed seven minutes in seven minutes (on its way to 24 for the night).
Londin Jones came and scored five runs, Rice scored two free throw and Osborne scored the UCLA to send the fourth place to 40-35.
Rice said, “Hard games, especially tight under stretch, you begin to realize every occupation matters,” Rice said.
The 6-Foot-7 son, whose field-grave percentage led Division I, was a scorer till the fourth, when his basket increased the UCLA lead to 44–35. He had two points low and his team’s best was below 15.5 points per game.
“You must be able to make other types of winning plays,” said Close.
Buffar Hatarnet closed for 46–43 on five straight points by Vononleh.
The two teams then cooled down, combining 0 to 20 during a stretch of about 10 minutes that ended with 1:25 with 3-pointers of Osborn, with the UCLA ahead of 49–43.
Osborne said, “I not just guarded anyone and this is a shot that I practice all the time.”
The way Osborne focuses on one night and appreciated confidence in one night when shots were not falling.
“Karishma did not have her crime tonight,” Close said, “But if she does not maintain her creation and her pride on defense, she would not be able to hit the huge three that was such a big divider.”
Rice stole the ball and remained 17 seconds to seal the victory.
UCLA’s Angela Duglik, Easy Esty, Emily Basebare, Cam Brown and Osborne each were recognized on Senior Night.
Bruins excluded Buffs from 17–7 in the first quarter, with 11 missing out of 11 shots from Colorado flooring.
Colorado scored the first eight points of the second to close within two. But Bruce responded with 12 straight points by Osborne and Rice and led 29–19.
Bruce scored 24 points in the paint, limiting Colorado to 29% shooting in all four quarters. Colorado scored 21 points from UCLA’s 24 turnover.
“It was terrible,” Close said. “And more than anything, it helps for eight 24 turnover. This is the ratio that gives you a lot of sorrow. This tells you how we were not making easy shots for each other on crime. We have not made the catch you need to make the ball speed. ,
Jayalin Sherod led Colorado with 10 points before exiting the game late. Both teams fought aggressively in the fourth, going about 10 minutes without scoring.
The fourth place is ranked first with 13-3 records Stanford PAC -12 standing. Number 7 USC, No. 11 Oregon State and UCLA are now second at 11-5 and Colorado is third at 10-6.
The UCLA has two games in Arizona State and Arizona before the PAC -12 tournament started in Las Vegas on 6 March.
“I really, really proud of various ways we are getting to win,” said Close. “We have a phrase that we use all the time: sometimes you, sometimes I, always we. The reality is, it is four letters and is receiving ‘dub’. ,
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Number 8 UCLA is against number 13 Colorado in defensive battle. @Mgmresortsintl pic.twitter.com/gnizo0zhyb
-PAC -12 Conference (@PAC12) 27 February, 2024