UCLA storms out of the gate in the first quarter to coast to win over Oklahoma State

UCLA as expected is moving onto the Sweet 16. As they were able to put away Oklahoma State on Monday night by final score of 87-68. Oklahoma State outscored the Bruins 42-41 in the second half. But a 21-6 first quarter was all UCLA needed to coast to a win on the night. It wasn’t their normal dominant victory, but at this stage with only 32 teams left in the tournament. Games are going to start to get tighter and tighter.

UCLA was very efficient from the floor as they shot 52.4% on the night. That included 41.2% from 3-point range. Lauren Betts led the way with another outstanding game of 35 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. She has been putting on a clinic in her final March Madness run. Gianna Kneepkens also chipped in an efficient 15 points and was 3-6 from 3-point range. While Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez each scored 10 apiece.

The Bruins continued their elite defensive play. As they held Oklahoma State to only 43.3% shooting for the game. The Cowboys only shot 5/20 from 3-point range as well. UCLA has been one of the best defensive teams in the nation all year. They know how to take teams best players out of games and suffocate an offense at any time. All five of the women that start, can play offense and defense and buy into the system.

The Bruins will now get some time to rest before a Friday matchup in the Sweet 16. They will get the opportunity to go against a Big Ten opponent in Minnesota who is a No. 4 seed. They do have one matchup against each other this year in a game that the Bruins were victorious 76-58. But these are different circumstances. The games mean more in March as it is win or go home. UCLA will need to come out sharp and keep their foot on the pedal. As they try and make their way back to the Elite Eight for a second straight year.