UCLA Women’s Basketball vs. South Carolina Preview

The #9 UCLA Women’s Basketball team have their biggest test of the season as they head east to face #2 South Carolina.

The UCLA Women’s Basketball team has one of their biggest roads games of the season as the travel to South Carolina.

Last season, both teams played in Pauley Pavilion with the Gamecocks just edging out the Bruins, 68-65. The Bruins need to build their resume for the NCAA Tournament and a win over South Carolina will help that.

If UCLA pulls out the win, it could take this team in a new direction.

#9 UCLA Women’s Basketball vs. #6 South Carolina

Records: UCLA 8-1, South Carolina 8-1

Location: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina (Cap.: 18,000)

Tipoff: 11:00 a.m. PT

Tickets: gamecocksonline.com

Internet Radio: uclabruins.com

TV: ESPN2

Live Stream: CBSSports.com

Preview:

The Bruins need a signature win to start the season. Though they are 8-1, their only game against a ranked team resulted in a loss. In fact, including last season, UCLA is 3-8 against ranked opponents.

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The Bruins are improving, but they need a win to show that they are a legitimate contender. That will be a difficult task to undertake as South Carolina is 20-1 at home since the start of the 2015-16 season.

The Bruins will have a lot on their hands as the Gamecocks are the 10th best scoring team in the nation as they are putting up 84.3 points per game. That is fueled by four players that are averaging double-digit points per game.

The leader of those stats is A’ja Wilson who is averaging 16.6 ppg. UCLA also has to be aware of Alaina Coates under the basket who is putting up 14.7 points and bringing down 10.8 rebounds.

South Carolina is a very talented team and can score in a variety of ways. The Bruins are going to have to step up their already stout defense and are going to have to be near flawless on the offensive end.

Jordin Canada is going to have to play smart when getting the ball out to her teammates. Canada is a a proficient scorer, but she is going to need Kari Korver, Kennedy Burke and Nicole Kornet from the field. If that can happen, UCLA should be able to pull of the upset.

Players to Watch:

Jordin Canada – The floor general has another tough challenge on her hands and needs to be near perfect in this game.

Monique Billings – The Bruins leading rebounder is going to need to watch the fouls and play smart under the rim. If she can control the board when she is in, it will help UCLA control the game.

Next: UCLA Women's Basketball Needs a Statement Win Over South Carolina

Prediction: UCLA 76 – South Carolina 74