The UCLA Bruins (then-5-0) had no mercy this afternoon against the Southern University Jaguars (then-3-1), leaving zero room for the Jaguars to score a single point in the second quarter.
The Bruins hosted the Jaguars on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Break at Pauley Pavilion, ending the game with an 88-37 win. Entering their sixth game of the season with an undefeated record. Forward Angela Dugalić ended today’s game as the lead scorer, tallying up 20 points.
The first quarter started in favor of the Bruins, with center Lauren Betts winning the tip-off, followed by Dugalić scoring a two-pointer. The Jaguars kept the score tight, with both teams scoring back-to-back. Betts and Gabriela Jaquez were seen working together as Betts scored four points after Jaquez gifted her the assists. The Bruins’ teamwork and open collaboration on the court allowed them to outwork the Jaguars, ending the quarter at 22-9.
The second quarter started strong as the Bruins worked in sync to keep the ball moving. With an average free-throw percentage of 93.3%, Betts made two more free throws. It’s clear to everyone that the Bruins reached a flow state, as a smooth pass from guard Charlisse Leger-Walker granted Jaquez the opportunity to drive forward, putting in another two points. With five minutes left in the quarter, Southern had yet to score, forcing them to call a time-out and find a way to slow down the Bruins’ dominating force. Coming back, the Bruins did not back down, ending the game with a 40-point lead at 49-9.
The third quarter began with a foul from the Jaguars on guard Kiki Rice, who manages to earn herself two points as she hits the floor. After getting herself another point from the free throw line, she used her momentum to push for another lay-up. After another time-out called by Southern, Rice swished a three-point shot as her teammates were seen putting three fingers in the air in solidarity. Dugalić wrapped up the quarter with a three-pointer, followed by a lay-up from a sneaky assist from Leger-Walker, ending the quarter, 72-21.
The Bruins effortlessly closed the game in the fourth quarter, despite the Jaguars’ determination to earn a few more points. The crowd cheered at another sneaky behind-the-back pass from Leger-Walker, giving Jaquez an open two-point shot. The Bruins were quick to execute perfect plays under coach Cori Close’s watch.
Up next, UCLA will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, to compete in the Players Era Women’s Championship on Nov. 26-27, facing off against the Texas Longhorns on the first day.
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Featured Image Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife
