UCLA Women’s Basketball Fall To Texas In The Sweet 16
Despite maintaining a lead through three quarters, the UCLA Women’s Basketball team eventually succumbed to the hot hands of the Texas Longhorns with a 64-72 loss.
It has been quite a journey for the UCLA Women’s Basketball team since they won six straight games to capture the NIT Championship one year ago.
In that run we got to see the future which consisted of a powerful backcourt with Jordin Canada and Nirra Fields. Along with some talented youth like Monique Billings, Paulina Hersler, Lajahna Drummer and Kari Korver, the Bruins looked primed to do some damage in the 2015-16 season.
That was confirmed last week when the Bruins won two decisive games at Pauley Pavilion against Hawai’i and USF as they advanced to the Sweet 16.
It was the first time the UCLA Women’s Basketball team had made it as one of the last 16 teams in the NCAA Tournament since 1999. No matter what happened against their next opponent, #2 Texas, the season was already deemed a success.
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Unfortunately, this is where it ends for the Bruins as they fell to the Longhorns in the Bridgeport Regional in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Things were looking good for the Bruins as UCLA had jumped out to a comfortable lead to start the game and never let Texas in through three quarters.
Billings and Canada were pulling most of the weight for the Bruins which the main factor in UCLA’s control of the game. Billings had a phenomenal performance as she logged a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Canada was once again was trying to will her team to victory late in the game. She also finished with 20 points, 10 of those coming off of free throws. Unfortunately it was not enough.
The Bruins were not able to maintain the lead and missed several shots in the fourth quarter. UCLA, as a whole, shot only 25% from the field in the second half.
The women of Texas capitalized on this and outscored the Bruins 24-10 in the final frame. Though it was a bitter end to the season, overall, it was a great run for an up-and-coming program under Head Coach Cori Close.
A tremendous, unforgettable, exemplary season for @UCLAWBB comes to an end. #BackThePac pic.twitter.com/JfNyTYcNVT
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) March 26, 2016
From NIT Champs to Sweet 16 contenders!
— Go Joe Bruin (@GoJoeBruinUCLA) March 26, 2016
THAT WAS A GREAT SEASON @UCLAWBB!!!#BOOM! pic.twitter.com/9d4ZTq03Qd
That was an incredible season @UCLAWBB and @CoachCloseUCLA! We're so glad to have been a part of it and we can't wait for next year!
— The Den (@uclatheden) March 26, 2016
Next: UCLA Basketball All-Time Team
Despite the loss, we would like to say congratulations to the UCLA Women’s Basketball team for an outstanding season and we cannot wait for their return in November! Go Bruins!