Wednesday, November 25, 1998
UCLA to take on Huskers in Hawaii
WHOOPS: Game against hardy Nebraska tips off Rainbow Wahine
Classic
By A. CinQue Carter
Daily Bruin Staff
The UCLA women’s basketball team will travel to Hawaii for a
little fun in the sun this weekend.
But before the Bruins (1-2) get to enjoy the road trip, they
will have to take care of business first.
The No. 12 Bruins will open the Rainbow Wahine Classic against
No. 24 Nebraska (3-0). The Huskers have begun the season by
dominating their opponents, winning each game by more than 25
points.
A huge reason for Nebraska’s early season success is the play of
point guard Nicole Kubik, who averages 18 points, 6.3 assists and
5.3 steals per game. Joining Kubik in the backcourt is guard Brooke
Schwartz (10.7 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game).
This combination could pose a serious problem for UCLA’s
beleaguered perimeter defense, which gives up over 67 of the Bruin
opponents’ 96 points per game.
"We just really need to get better at our perimeter defense,"
UCLA coach Kathy Olivier said.
The Bruin offense is not a concern, however, as they are
averaging over 90 points per game for the first time under Olivier.
UCLA has six players averaging double figures in scoring on this
young season.
At the top of the list are center Janae Hubbard (18 points and
5.7 boards per game) and forward Maylana Martin (19 and 13).
"The post is doing a lot of good things right now," Olivier
said.
The Bruin backcourt has 23.3 points and eight boards coming off
the bench between sophomore guard LaCresha Flannigan and freshman
guard Michelle Greco.
Battling Kubik will be Bruin point guard Erica Gomez who is
tallying 7.3 points and eight assists per game but is also
averaging eight turnovers.
"We have to take care of the ball," Olivier said of her team,
averaging 25 turnovers. "Erica is great for us, but she’s turning
the ball over too much. She’ll get better."
And so will those sun-loving Bruins.
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