The Bruins have the opportunity to keep creating history after breaking the record for longest undefeated season start.
Following its Coretta Scott King Classic victory, No. 1 UCLA women’s basketball (18-0, 8-0 Big Ten) continues its stint of play in New Jersey as it prepares to face Rutgers (8-11, 0-8). The matchup marks the Bruins’ second encounter with the Scarlet Knights since UCLA suffered a defeat in their lone meeting in 1999.
Coach Cori Close said the team is focusing on its defensive play as it heads into the bulk of the season and Big Ten play.
“We want to play in the best conference in the country, and we want the best competition we can possibly have,” Close said. “Their (Rutgers’) record is not representative of the quality of their team, and as I’ve watched film … they really are a very good team.”
Since UCLA and Rutgers’ last match 25 years ago, both teams have evolved and added promising talent to their rosters.
A new addition for Rutgers is guard Kiyomi McMiller, a 2024 standout recruit who has emerged as the team’s leading scorer.
“She is so explosive, so fun with the ball and just does some really creative things,” Close said. “I love players that play the game like an art project and not a scientific formula.”
Alongside McMiller is forward Destiny Adams, a veteran Scarlet Knight who averages 17.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per matchup.
In UCLA’s most recent win, the team struggled in the second half as Baylor outscored UCLA 20-18 – 19 points off Bruin turnovers.
“The main key of the game is rebound and box out,” said junior guard Gabriela Jaquez. “We need to be aggressive on the rebounding end and especially when they are trying to box out Lauren a lot, and I have more freedom to do that.”
UCLA’s defense was led by junior center Lauren Betts, who blocked a career-high nine shots, including four in the first half. After limiting Baylor to just 10 points in the paint, Betts said her focus is blocking the net.
“My teammates just move so well off of me, and they have done a better job making those quick reads,” Betts said. “It makes my job a lot easier.”
The Bruins were able to survive when Jaquez flipped the switch for the Bruins after recording 13 rebounds, leading the team.
With this matchup against Rutgers revving up UCLA’s conference play following disruptions to the schedule due to the Los Angeles wildfires, the Bruins continue to set their eyes on March.
“Losing back-to-back in the Sweet Sixteen is sickening to me – we understand what that felt like, and we know what the team is capable of,” Jaquez said. “We’re a lot older this year, and we have a lot more experience, and that does play a part in tough situations and tough basketball games.”
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