At game time, one player was noticeably absent from the top-ranked Bruins starting lineup. The Big Ten’s second leading scorer, Lauren Betts, was ruled out of Sunday night’s game at Pauley Pavilion with a right foot injury.
With Betts in a boot, the team had a hard road ahead of them. Ultimately, they rose to the occasion. Thanks to an all-around team performance, UCLA (24-1, 12-1 Big Ten), defeated the #22 ranked Michigan State Spartans (19-6, 9-5 Big Ten).
After falling to USC earlier this week, ending the team’s magical 23-0 start, the Bruins had to confront a challenge they had not faced all season; how to recover from a loss. An unrelenting fourth-quarter effort squashed any fears that the team wouldn’t be able to bounce back. “We didn’t wanna, you know, let one loss derail our season”, junior Kiki Rice said.
After not trailing for the entire game, the Bruins were down 55-53 entering the 4th. Neither team was able to run away with the game, however, as constant lead changes and clutch buckets from both sides left the Spartans with a 69-68 lead with just over a minute to play.
With 45 seconds remaining, junior forward Timea Gardiner sank a dagger three, putting UCLA up 71-69. “It felt really good to see it go in”, Gardiner stated. The Oregon State transfer shot 4-7 from deep overall.
Multiple key defensive stops gave the Bruins the ball with just 17 seconds to play. In the end, a technical foul on Michigan State’s coach Robyn Fralick, followed by clutch Kiki Rice free throws, all but sealed the game.
The Bruins’ depth and versatility were both on display throughout the affair, with Coach Cori Close emphasizing the “next woman up” mentality the team adopts. “Every player stepped up in different moments.”, Close said.
Scoring was led by Gardiner and Janiah Barker, with 18 points each, despite neither averaging more than nine per game on the season. Barker added a team-high 12 rebounds, logging her fifth double-double of the season.
Kiki Rice was also crucial in the victory, dominating on both sides of the ball and flooding the stat sheet. She recorded 16 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, forcing four steals and blocking a shot as well. With Betts unavailable, a lot of pressure was on Rice, the team’s second leading scorer, to contribute. This was clear in her 38 minutes played. When asked about the pressure she faces, she responded “I’m really just focused on helping our team win.”
UCLA looks ahead now, with 21-5 Illinois visiting Pauley on Thursday. With just over a month to go before March Madness, the Bruins are still projected as the number one team in the tournament.
However, competing in a Big Ten conference that is currently projected to have a dozen teams in March Madness means the Bruins’ work is not done yet. “To be the number one overall seed would be great”, Close said. “But that’s a ways away.”
UCLA’s #7 Elina Aarnisalo has the ball, facing off against a Michigan State defender. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez attempts to block a shot from Michigan State’s Julia Ayrault. The Bruins’ defense remains aggressive, helping them secure the victory. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
Janiah Barker takes pictures with fans, all showing a "fours up" sign. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
UCLA players huddle in between plays, discussing strategy. The team has been known for its strong communication and focus throughout the season. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
