No. 2 UCLA pulls away late in 80-67 win over Illinois

UCLA moved to 20-1 on the season with a win on Wednesday night on the road against Illinois. The Bruins, who are fresh off of moving up in the rankings to No. 2, had an interesting contest up until the fourth quarter. As they went into the last quarter, they were only up 56-49, but used a 9-0 run to start the frame to pull away. The team was led by Lauren Betts who had 23 points and nine rebounds on the night. The women had six players score in double figures in the 80-67 victory.

The Bruins, who have been very good from 3-point range most of the season. Struggled for a second straight game as they went 1-10 from deep. Most teams you would say that as a cause for concern. But UCLA has been so good from long range that it had to cool off at some point. Gianna Kneepkens and Gabriela Jaquez had been shooting the lights out of the gym. Despite the woes, they still shot 50% overall from the field and found success inside of the arc.

UCLA used another good defensive effort to help propel them to a victory. They held Illinois to only 38% shooting on the night. Continuing to show they are one of the most elite defenses in the country. Consistently shutting teams down and being able to take opposing teams best player out of the game. Berry Wallace who averages close to 20 per game, shot 3-17 from the floor and only had 11 points. The Bruins do that on a nightly basis and it has a domino effect.

Now sitting at 20-1, the Bruins will now have a tough top 10 matchup with Iowa. Strengthening their strength of schedule on the season. Which is the second toughest in the nation right now. UCONN is still far above every team in the nation until proven otherwise. But the Bruins are better equipped to handle the challenge this year. Should the two cross paths come March.