Close laments UCLA’s sluggish start
Coach says the Bruins can’t afford to open with lackluster play as the postseason nears.
TEMPE, Ariz. — Lauren Betts had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Kiki Rice finished with 14 points to lead No. 8 UCLA over Arizona State 70-41 on Thursday night.
Betts had her ninth double-double and Rice added seven assists and seven rebounds for the Bruins (23-5, 12-5 Pac-12), who finished the Pac-12 regular-season series between the teams with a 16-game winning streak.
“The numbers may show better than how we played,” said UCLA coach Cori Close, who was disappointed with the Bruins’ first-half effort. “We realize we have a great opportunity in front of us, but not the rest of the year can we come out with that lackluster effort and focus.
“The next time happens, you’re done. We’re only guaranteed three more games in this season, and this team has too many special goals to let it be three more. It’s all in front of you. The only thing that gets in our way and can keep us from where we want to go is us.”
The Bruins conclude the regular season at Arizona on Saturday with a chance to take the No. 2 seed in the Pac-12 tournament, which begins Wednesday in Las Vegas. The Sun Devils’ 41 points was the lowest scoring total given up by UCLA this season.
“I have to give it to my guards today,” Betts said. “They did a really good job of finding me. It’s that chemistry that we work on every day in practice.”
Jalyn Brown had 14 points and Trayanna Crisp had 13 points for Arizona State (11-18, 3-14), which has lost three straight.
Brown has scored in double figures in 17 consecutive games.
Behind the 6-foot-7 Betts, UCLA used its size to take a 52-24 rebound advantage and a 44-16 edge in points in the paint.
UCLA’s switching manto-man defense limited Arizona State to 28.3% shooting from the field. The Bruins held the Sun Devils to 26.7% shooting in a 78-45 win at Pauley Pavilion on Feb. 11.
“Our defense, rebounding and passion plays have been our calling card, and that has been a consistent theme for us,” Close said. “We have the ability to switch screens and keep people in front of us.
“They are not getting clean looks at the basket. Lauren is a unicorn that way.”
Angela Dugalic made the play of the game on UCLA’s 10-0 run in the second quarter, when she threw a nifty behind-the-back pass to Rice for a fast-break layup and a 28-16 lead with four minutes remaining. Dugalic had a little smile as she ran back.
UCLA entered with a scoring margin of plus-17.7, 16th in NCAA Division I.
The Bruins were playing on short rest after beating No. 13 Colorado 53-45 at home Monday.
Bruins projected as a No. 1 seed
UCLA was projected as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament in the selection committee’s latest reveal, and the Bruins looked it while sweeping the season series from Arizona State. Stanford is another projected No. 1 seed, and two of the top 18 teams in top 25 will not qualify for a first-round bye in the conference tournament. UCLA can clinch a bye if it wins at Arizona on Saturday.
Up next for UCLA: at Arizona on Saturday.