LOS ANGELES — Timea Gardiner delivered a crucial three-pointer with just 44 seconds left in the game, allowing the top-ranked UCLA Bruins to narrowly win against No. 22 Michigan State with a score of 75-69 on Sunday night. This victory was essential for UCLA to avoid a second consecutive loss during the week.
In a controversial moment late in the match, Michigan State’s Nyla Hampton appeared to be fouled by UCLA’s Kendall Dudley, but the referees did not call the foul. This decision led to a frustrated Robyn Fralick, the Spartans’ head coach, receiving a technical foul with only 17 seconds remaining in the game.
Kiki Rice capitalized on the free throw opportunity, making both shots that put UCLA ahead at 73-69. Rice concluded the game with an impressive performance, tallying 16 points and seven assists. Gardiner also contributed significantly with 18 points to the team’s total. On the opposing side, Theryn Hallock was the leading scorer for Michigan State, putting up 19 points, while Julia Ayrault added another 18. Unfortunately for the Spartans, this loss left them with a disappointing 1-6 record when facing top-ranked teams.
UCLA faced some challenges as they played without their starting center, Lauren Betts, who was seen wearing a boot on her injured right foot. In her absence, Janiah Barker stepped up, scoring 18 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Previously, UCLA’s impressive 23-game winning streak had been broken just days earlier when they suffered a loss to sixth-ranked USC, led by JuJu Watkins, with a score of 71-60.
In terms of game dynamics, Michigan State had a solid lead, going up by four with fewer than four minutes to play, but they could only muster two free throws for the remainder of the game. Conversely, UCLA managed to recuperate after being down, outscoring the Spartans 12-2 in the closing minutes.
One of the highlight moments occurred in the third quarter when Michigan State mounted a significant comeback by outscoring UCLA 22-12, taking their first lead of the match at 55-53 going into the final period. During this stretch, UCLA struggled with their shooting, hitting only 3 of 10 from the floor and going over four minutes without a basket. However, they stayed competitive, capitalizing on all six of their free throw attempts.
In terms of rebounding, UCLA had the slight edge, finishing the game with 32 boards compared to Michigan State’s 28.
Looking ahead, Michigan State is set to visit No. 6 USC and face off against Watkins on Wednesday night, while UCLA will host Illinois on Thursday night.
