UCLA Bruins beat Rutgers 86-46 in Big Ten…
Cori Close always focuses on growth and development.
On Wednesday evening, in a 40-point blowout, a lot of that was bestowed on her reserves.
With the No. 2 UCLA ladies’s basketball staff pulverizing Rutgers, it was a likelihood for the bench gamers to log more minutes than common.
The Bruins had three reserves on the court halfway through the first quarter and continued to cycle through their bench during an 86-46 victory at Pauley Pavilion.
UCLA heart Lauren Betts and Rutgers guard Lauryn Swann struggle for possession of the ball. AP
Those who impressed included freshman ahead Sienna Betts, who continued to flash an array of energy strikes around the basket. Her 11 factors matched big sister Lauren’s complete, the first time that’s occurred at the school stage.
“I really trust her as a learner, and you can coach her really hard,” Close said of a participant whose season debut was delayed until December because of a leg injury. “That puts her in situations that she can grow faster.”
Sienna added some levity when she raised her arms in triumph after one of her free throws bounced around the rim before falling through the web.
Top reserve Angela Dugalic was strong as common with eight factors, seven rebounds, two steals and a block for the Bruins (22-1 total, 12-0 Big Ten). Guard-forward Lena Bilic sank two 3-pointers and fan favourite Megan Grant prompted cheers when she entered in the ultimate minutes and supplied her common relentless effort.
Close said half of her heavy reliance on reserves was because of load management. Leading by as many as 43 factors made this really feel like a breather for everybody.
UCLA head coach Cori Close yells out to gamers during the first half. AP
What does it imply?
Probably not a lot given the huge mismatch.
As common, Close had her nitpicks about a staff chasing one thing a lot more significant than a win in early February. She said she challenged her gamers to discover more consistency against overmatched groups.
“Regardless of the team, regardless of their record, we need to come out with intensity and treat each moment the same,” said level guard Kiki Rice, who scored 17 factors to lead 4 starters in double figures.
Turning level
When the sport was scheduled. It’s not a lot of an exaggeration.
Rutgers (9-14, 1-11) hasn’t had a successful report since the 2021-22 season, making the sport’s end result really feel like one thing of a foregone conclusion.
After a sloppy opening stretch, UCLA surged into a 26-6 lead by the end of the first quarter and stored including to its benefit.
UCLA guard Charlisse Leger-Walker passes the ball to a teammate. AP
MVP: Charlisse Leger-Walker
Setting a tone with three steals in the first quarter, Charlisse Leger-Walker sparked the runaway.
The UCLA guard was an all-around drive with 11 factors, seven assists, 5 steals and two rebounds to go with 4 turnovers in 25 minutes.
Up next
Things take a considerably more tough flip for the Bruins as they hit the street for video games against No. 8 Michigan on Sunday and No. 12 Michigan State on Feb. 11. If the Bruins can sweep the journey, they are going to be in great place to end with an unbeaten Big Ten report.
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