Early momentum can decide a conference opener, and on Sunday afternoon at Pauley Pavilion, No. 4 UCLA women’s basketball (9–1, 1–0 Big Ten) seized it instantly. UCLA handed No. 5 Oregon (10–1, 0–1 Big Ten), their first loss of the season. Graduate guards Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker fueled the opening push that set up UCLA’s 80–59 win.
Center Lauren Betts shoots the ball while facing defensive pressure. The layup was completed despite the challenging defender. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
UCLA started fast jumping to a 6–0 lead in the first three minutes against the previously undefeated Ducks. Kneepkens sparked the run with back-to-back layups and a three-pointer, putting the Bruins up 11–1 and forcing an early Ducks timeout. To close the quarter, senior guard Gabriela Jaquez knocked down a three off a pass from Leger-Walker, giving UCLA a 19–8 lead after the first.
Forward Angela Dugalić elevates into the air to attempt a layup. The player converted the shot despite defensive pressure. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
The Bruins carried their momentum into the second quarter, quickly stretching the lead to 29–10. Redshirt sophomore forward Amanda Muse added steady minutes inside, while Leger-Walker picked up a steal that led to an assist in transition. Kneepkens and freshman guard Lena Bilić hit key three-pointers to widen the gap, and Kneepkens followed with a quick layup. To close the half, senior guard Kiki Rice finished at the rim, sending UCLA into halftime up 49–26.
The Bruins huddle up to strategize their next moves. The team discussed defensive adjustments during the timeout. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
Oregon opened the second half with sharper on both sides of the ball with early baskets from Ehis Etute. But UCLA quickly answered when star center Lauren Betts delivered a block that set up a transition three from Kneepkens, slowing the Ducks’ momentum. Oregon responded with threes from Sofia Bell and Mia Jacobs, but UCLA countered again, Bilić hit a pull-up jumper,and graduate forward Angela Dugalić converted inside off an offensive board. A fast-break three from Kneepkens capped the quarter, helping UCLA enter the fourth still firmly in command despite Oregon’s stronger stretch.
Forward Angela Dugalić drives with the basketball toward the basket. She attacked the lane and drew contact from the defense. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
Oregon made small pushes in the fourth, but Kneepkens and Leger-walker steadied UCLA down the stretch. Kneepkens opened the quarter with a block and later finished a fast-break layup off a Leger-Walker assist, adding to her 17 points. Betts continued her dominant night inside, scoring late on the way to a game-high of 24. Leger-walker controlled key rebounds during a messy stretch that helped UCLA reset defensively, and the Bruins held Oregon to scattered second-chance scores. A late jumper from Bilić briefly pushed the lead to 80–54 before the Ducks added some final baskets. No. 4 UCLA women’s basketball closed out an 80–59 win.
Guard Gabriela Jaquez dribbles the ball as she advances toward the hoop. Once she reached the opponent's side, she passed the ball to her teammate who scored. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
The Bruins will get ready for their matchup against Cal Poly on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at home in Pauley Pavilion.
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Featured Image Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife
