In Los Angeles, the top-seeded UCLA women’s basketball team began their journey in the NCAA Tournament with a decisive victory over 16th-seeded Southern, concluding with an 84-46 win. Lauren Betts made a significant impact by scoring 14 points, grabbing six rebounds, and blocking three shots, helping the Bruins inch closer to their first Final Four appearance.
Although the Bruins (31-2) had to navigate a season full of pressure after spending 13 weeks as the AP Top 25 leaders, the team still demonstrated their tenacity and aggressive play in their tournament debut. Londynn Jones contributed 11 points in the effort. Following their recent triumph in the Big Ten tournament, where they defeated Southern California, head coach Cori Close emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards.
“I was fired up tonight,” said Close. “I thought I needed to coach them hard to hold the standard. I understood the expectations. I want my intensity to lead the way of what was important.” Bringing attention to the team’s discipline and character, Close highlighted these as elements that would define their ceiling.
Next in line for UCLA is a showdown with eighth-seed Richmond at Pauley Pavilion for a chance to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Richmond earned their place by defeating Georgia Tech 74-49, led by 30 points and 15 rebounds from Atlantic 10 player of the year, Maggie Doogan.
For Southern (21-15), Aniya Gourdine managed to score 10 points despite the loss. Southern had previously solidified their spot in this matchup by overcoming UC San Diego in the First Four, capping a season where they claimed both SWAC regular-season and tournament titles. Head coach Carlos Funchess acknowledged the challenge posed by UCLA’s size, making it difficult to defend effectively.
Moreover, although UCLA encountered a minor lapse in focus during the second quarter, their unyielding play style allowed them to steadily create and maintain a commanding lead. By the final quarter, the team advantageously managed players’ minutes, anticipating the hurdles ahead. Kiki Rice, contributing 10 points and seven assists, stressed the necessity of sustained focus, especially during this tournament season.
UCLA’s impressive size remains a significant advantage, contributing to the team’s effective performances. The Bruins have qualified for the NCAA Tournament for three consecutive years and aim to achieve a deep run in the tournament, adding to their season’s achievements.
While this journey may have ended for Southern, their season holds remarkable achievements, bouncing back from a challenging start to claiming a conference title and their first NCAA Tournament game. Meanwhile, UCLA continues to exhibit their strengths across the board, with an impressive eight players contributing at least nine points each, showcasing their depth in balance and talent. Now, with their eye on a sustained tournament run, the Bruins aim to continue leveraging their size and skill in upcoming matches.