UCLA crushes Southern University in tune up for Texas showdown

UCLA women’s basketball passed the last test needed before their top 5 showdown with Texas. The girls stormed out of the gates and used a 27-0 second quarter to take a 49-9 lead into halftime. They were sharp on offense and defense and moved to 6-0 on the season. The team shot 51% on the night and held Southern University to 29% from the field. Mirroring an all-around effort from when they played in the 2025 March Madness tournament.

The Bruins dominated almost every stat on the book. 28 to four in fast break points, 50 to 20 in rebounds, only turning the ball over seven times while creating 13 turnovers. They didn’t stoop down to their opponent's level or get caught looking ahead to Texas. The girls know what their mission is. That is to win a championship this year. As this may be the best opportunity they ever get.

Senior Angela Duagalić led the way with 20 points on the day. Kiki Rice put in an all-around solid effort of 17 points 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Then the most impressive thing effort of the night came from Lena Bilić. She came into the game averaging 1.8 points per game and poured in 14 off the bench. Giving the Bruins another option in a star-studded lineup.

Now comes the fun. Number 3 UCLA versus number 4 Texas. Both teams have been destroying their opponents this year. UCLA has a better strength of schedule thus far with wins over Oklahoma and North Carolina. But Texas has 60- and 70-point wins and averaging 104 points per game. This will test both teams and could make for the game of the year early in the season. Let’s see where the girls are as they approach this showdown playing their best basketball.