Head coach Cori Close guided the UCLA women's basketball team into the Elite 8 after a 76-62 win over Ole Miss. Too often, expectations heading into the tournament will automatically dictate a deep run or bust mentality. Even as a No. 1 seed, however, this Sweet 16 matchup should show fans how different every March Madness run can be.
At the half, this game was close, with the Bruins holding a slim one-point lead. Kiki Rice found herself in early foul trouble and sat for a lot of the opening minutes. Lauren Betts, due to her hard work ethic and hustle, found herself needing an extended breather at one point.
During the third quarter, though, the Big Ten champions showed everyone remaining in the field what they are fully capable of at any point. Others needed to pick their moments to make plays, but Rice and Betts led the way and proved to be something of an unstoppable force in the second half.
Having sat out a lot of the second quarter, Rice scored seven of her 13 points after the break and pushed the lead out for coach Close's group. Seemingly looking to make up for lost time after picking up her early fouls, she made sure to leave an impact against the Rebels.
Then there was Betts. The center couldn't be slowed down. En route to a 31-point and 10-rebound evening, the junior proved to be a complete mismatch for opposing frontcourts that others will also have a very difficult time slowing down.
This was a classic case of going to the same person until the other team could show an ability to slow her down. Ole Miss wasn't able to, regardless of who was matched up against her. Although coach Close wanted to make sure during her in-game interview that everything was a team effort, there aren't too many in the history of the sport that can offer what Betts does on a nightly basis.
She does an excellent job time and time again of keeping her composure while powering through or over defenders while having good touch to drop it in for two. The broadcast made sure to point out her dance-enhanced footwork. That and her low-post finishing ability were on full display in the victory.
Notable contributions from other UCLA women's basketball players
It is a team effort, even if the primary concerted effort of UCLA saw Betts have a 15-for-16 evening. There were two guards who did well and allowed the Bruins' offense to operate. Oftentimes, Rice plays a key role in this regard, but she had to sit in spots that she otherwise wouldn't. This saw Elina Aarnisalo called on with the first unit.
Between her and Gabriela Jaquez, the guards were able to keep the ball out of harm's way and spell a lot of the time that would have seen Rice on the court as the primary ball handler. In tournaments, depth is often tested, and coach Close knows she has good backcourt options to turn to if needed.
The Rebels kept up the press, even after the game was more or less out of hand. There were a couple of miscues, as to be expected, but for the most part, the closing minutes saw UCLA women's basketball see through the game and advance.
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