UCLA uses strong second half to beat Minnesota and move onto the Elite Eight

UCLA‘s dream season will continue onto the Elite Eight, as they dismantled Minnesota last night with an 80-56 win. UCLA continued their elite play on the defensive end and now will face off against Duke with a Final Four trip on the line. The Bruins held Minnesota to only 37.9% shooting on the night and have had one of the most dominating defensive seasons we have seen. Led by Lauren Betts the anchor in the middle, then Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez up top stopping guards.

The UCLA offense shot 52.5% on the night and was led by Kiki Rice with 21 points. UCLA was only up 34-29 at half but pulled away in the second half outscoring Minnesota 46-27. The women won the battle in almost every category which included rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. They had 20 blocks and steals compared to Minnesota with only six. UCLA also had 13 fast break points and did not allow one to Minnesota.

The Bruins are absolutely dominating on the defensive end, and it is fun to watch. These women are playing with so much chemistry, and you would think with a few changes this wouldn’t be happening. But, Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker have stepped right in and kept this engine moving. They have now won 28 straight games since losing to Texas earlier in the season. The starting lineup is playing well and the bench is adding an extra boost with Angela Dugalić.

UCLA now looks towards Duke tomorrow. We do have one matchup to look back on. These women played each other earlier in the season in a top 10 matchup in a tournament. The UCLA Bruins went on to win that game very easily 89-59. But this is now March, things can change over time. So, the women need to come out and put their foot on the pedal and keep it on there. If they can do that, they will have their second straight trip to a Final Four.