UCLA's elite defense shows up in the second half, and it sends them to a second straight Final Four

UCLA is storming into the Final Four for a second straight season after beating Duke 70-58 on Sunday afternoon. After a slow start to the game, UCLA absolutely dominated the second half and ran away with the win. Over the course of the NCAA tournament they have been suffocating on the defensive end in the second half of games. They trailed 39-31 at half and seemed to be in a little bit of trouble as they headed into the locker room. But they outscored the Blue Devils 39-19 in the second half.

UCLA made the Final Four last season and were easily dismantled by UCONN. With new tools now on the roster in Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker. The women hope that this is the year that they get over the hump. Especially with their top six players graduating out and heading to the WNBA. This is their best opportunity ever to be able to win a championship. They could run into UCONN again if they both make the national championship game.

Lauren Betts continued her strong NCAA tournament as she absolutely dominated Duke. She had 23 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks on the day. Controlling the pace on both ends of the floor and putting her name at the top of WNBA Draft boards. Her UCLA career is coming closer to it’s end but it is special to watch this one final run. The Bruins shot 50% from the floor on the day while holding Duke to only 38.7% shooting. Continuing their elite defense they have played all season.

It cannot be stated enough as well the play that the Bruins are getting from Angela Dugalić off of the bench. With some of the starters struggling on the day, such as Kiki Rice, Dugalić provided the big spark with 15 points. Her willingness to change her game has been a huge factor in the success for this team, going from full-time starter to part-time player. UCLA now gets to wait for the winner of the Texas and Michigan game. Whoever they get in that game, they will play on Friday for a chance to go to the national championship.