UCLA puts together complete game in win over Duke

UCLA was able to put together a complete effort versus Duke. As they went into their second game of the Players Era Women’s Championship. They had to do so without their star center in Lauren Betts, out with injury. The Bruins showed no ill effects of that as they dominated almost every statistic on the board. Winning the game 89-59, which was their second highest point total of the year. Only behind when they put up 94 against South Florida in this same building a few weeks back.

UCLA jumped out of the gates and held a 30-7 lead after the first quarter, setting the tone. Their shooting splits on the night would be a blistering 53/59/88 while holding Duke to 34/27/60. You are going to win 99% of basketball games if you can have those types of numbers. UCLA was suffocating on defense and was able to get whatever they wanted on offense. It was much needed after the disappointing loss to Texas where they struggled to create. Ultimately putting themselves in too deep of a hole to climb out of, despite a rather valiant effort in the second half that saw them cut the deficit to only four points.

The Bruins continue to dominate rebounds against their opponents. As they out rebounded Duke 43-33 even without Betts. This is a key strength for UCLA, and they need to continue to win that battle. Especially with the Tennessee game coming up next. They also cleaned up their turnovers which was a huge issue against Texas. Their 20 turnovers in that game were the deciding factor as they outplayed Texas in a lot of statistical categories.

It was a balanced scoring effort with Gabriela Jaquez scoring 23, Charlisse Leger-Walker having 20 and Kiki Rice pouring in 17. This is a confidence boosting bounce back game that will be needed for Tennessee. As UCLA heads back home to take on their fourth top 15 opponent of the year. Betts is still considered day-to-day and questionable to play. If she can’t go, Angela Dugalić figures to get another start in her place.