The No. 2 ranked UCLA women’s basketball team continues its impressive run in the Big Ten Conference, boasting a record of 24-1 and an unbeaten 14-0 conference mark. The Bruins are coming off two significant road victories against top-15 rivals, Michigan and Michigan State. They are set to face Indiana on March 5, 2024, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.
UCLA’s Recent Performances
UCLA’s latest triumphs highlight their ability to dominate even the toughest challenges. In their most recent game, they held the Michigan State Spartans to just 31% shooting from the field, a testament to their defensive prowess. Coach Cori Close praised her team’s execution of the scouting report, particularly in limiting Spartans’ leading scorer Grace VanSlooten to only eight points on 3-of-12 shooting.
“We switched all the ball screens, except with Lauren [Betts] and Grace, so that we could keep that matchup the best we could,” Close said following the victory.
Betts, a standout who was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year last season, played a crucial role in this defensive strategy. The Bruins’ collective effort to limit Michigan State’s penetration played a significant part in their victory, despite losing the turnover battle by eight.
Close expressed her dissatisfaction with the team’s turnover issues but remains confident in their overall performance. “We were really trying to take away their right-hand drives,” she explained. “Because we took away those drives, we were able to stay home on the matchup with Lauren versus Grace, and that’s an advantage we have.”
Upcoming Challenge Against Indiana
As they prepare for their next game against Indiana, the Bruins must remain vigilant. The Hoosiers, with a record of 14-12 and 3-11 in the conference, are struggling this season and appear poised to miss the NCAA Tournament for the first time in six years. However, under the leadership of Coach Teri Moren, Indiana has a history of competitiveness that the Bruins cannot afford to overlook.
UCLA’s journey this season has been marked by a disciplined and focused approach. Close emphasized the importance of treating each game with the same intensity, regardless of the opponent or setting. “It’s going to be like a Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight game, but it’s gonna be in a hostile environment,” she remarked. “So how tough can you be? How business-minded can you be?”
The Bruins, featuring six seniors—five of whom are returners—aim to channel their experience into continued success. They understand that maintaining their intensity is essential, whether they are on a mid-February road trip or competing deep into the NCAA Tournament in April.
The upcoming matchup against Indiana will test UCLA’s resilience and commitment as they strive to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the conference standings. Fans can catch the action on Peacock at 12:00 PM on Sunday.
