UCLA beats Northwestern 80-46 setting stage for No. 2 ranking

UCLA moved to 19-1 on the season with a win over Northwestern on Sunday afternoon. Setting the Bruins up in a prime position to move to No. 2 in the new women’s rankings coming up this week. After watching Oklahoma upset South Carolina. It seems destined to be only UCONN standing in the way of UCLA and the No. 1 ranking in the nation. This women’s team is as good as ever and they continue pummeling every team they play. It truly is fascinating to watch how much chemistry the team has.

The Bruins were led on the day by Gabriela Jaquez who had 19 points on 9-12 shooting. With her great senior season, she has gone from second round of the WNBA mock drafts to right outside the top 10 in most. Kiki Rice was right outside of a triple double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. As she also continues her ascent through her senior season and being a top 10 pick. UCLA had an off day shooting the ball as they were 47% from the field and only 4-17 from 3-point range.

If you can have an off day and still score 80 points. You know you have a really good team. Despite not shooting the ball very well, the Bruins locked in defensively. Proving why they are one of the best defensive teams in the nation, every single game. They held Northwestern to 35% shooting from the field and their lowest point total of the season at 46. The women are playing with great chemistry on defense and that will be a calling card come, March.

Now sitting at 19-1 on the season, UCLA has nine games left in their season. Their next game will be on the road against Illinois. They were just on the outside of the top 25 recently. But have fallen a bit recently and now sit at 15-5 on the season. UCLA looks to be the No. 2 team in the nation before that matchup. UCONN will continue to be at No. 1 as they are 21-0 and have won their last 16 games by 25+ points each matchup. With an average margin of victory of 40 points. Buckle up, it should be a fun finish!