LOS ANGELES — Following an unexpected victory over the top-ranked South Carolina team, UCLA head coach Cori Close quickly reminded everyone that there is still a long season ahead. “It’s only November 24,” she emphasized. “Of course, I’m proud of our team, but this is just the start. We must remain committed to executing our game plan effectively.”
Close’s sentiments mirrored those of her mentor, the legendary John Wooden, who guided the UCLA men’s teams to greatness, including a remarkable 88-game winning streak. Under his leadership between 1949 and 1975, Wooden claimed 10 national championships; the men’s program added an 11th in 1995. This storied legacy is honored in the rafters of Pauley Pavilion, where Wooden’s former seat shines in gold amongst the blue crowd.
The current women’s squad is now focused on their chance to secure a championship banner of their own. Star center Lauren Betts acknowledged the team’s unified goal, stating, “At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. It’s not about who scores the most points.”
The Bruins’ impressive 77-62 upset marked a historic moment, as it was the first time in UCLA’s program history that they defeated a number one-ranked team, having previously been 0-20 against them. “We fully anticipated winning,” Close noted confidently. “There was never a moment of doubt. Our preparation was aligned with our expectations.”
Displaying their determination from the outset, the Bruins played energetically in front of a crowd of 13,659 fans. Among the attendees were legends from UCLA’s past, including Ann Meyers Drysdale and Denise Curry, who were part of the 1978 AIAW national championship team, along with more recent former players like Maylana Martin and Natalie Williams.
UCLA (5-0) commandingly led the game from beginning to end, showcasing a formidable defense that kept the Gamecocks from establishing any momentum. Londynn Jones spearheaded the scoring for the Bruins with 15 points, making all five of her three-point attempts, alongside contributions from four other players who scored in double figures. Freshman Elina Aarnisalo, hailing from Finland, also made a significant impact with 13 points and efficiently executing the pick-and-roll.
Betts praised Aarnisalo, calling her the most underestimated player on the squad. “She plays with such fearlessness, driving through defenders effortlessly,” Betts remarked. “She deserves recognition now.” Aarnisalo finished with impressive stats of 6 out of 10 shooting, four assists, and three rebounds.
South Carolina’s coach Dawn Staley commended Aarnisalo’s performance, stating, “She really shined in her aggressiveness. I was hoping she would come off the bench, but she was a standout in the game.” Kiki Rice made her first start and contributed 11 points in just her second game of the season after recovering from a shoulder injury. Betts highlighted Rice’s calming presence on the court, reflecting the guard’s crucial role in the team’s dynamics. “She is the backbone of our unit,” Betts added.
As the Bruins anticipate a rise in Monday’s AP Top 25 rankings, Coach Close remains focused on more than just the accolades. She posed a thought-provoking question to her players: “Is this what you came here to achieve? Is just this one win sufficient?”