What started as a possible upset became a dominant fourth-quarter efficiency by the undefeated UCLA girls’s basketball group.
The No. 1 Bruins confronted a powerful take a look at as Minnesota trailed by 5 on the half and didn’t fade till the Bruins pulled away within the last quarter on the best way to a 79-53 Massive Ten victory at Pauley Pavilion on Sunday.
It was UCLA’s twentieth consecutive double-digit victory, the longest streak in program historical past.
Elina Aarinsalo led UCLA scorers with 15 factors on six-of-10 taking pictures. She was one among three Bruins in double figures, alongside Kiki Rice (14) and Londynn Jones (13).
UCLA (21-0, 9-0 Massive Ten) struggled to seek out rhythm on each ends of the ground, with lapses in communication plaguing a lot of the primary half. The Bruins dedicated 10 turnovers and shot 38.7% as they went into the locker room forward 33-28.
UCLA’s offensive struggles, notably from starters Lauren Betts (six factors) and Gabriela Jaquez (9), saved Minnesota inside putting distance.
The Gophers (18-5, 6-5) pissed off Betts within the submit, utilizing bodily protection and frequent double groups. They held her to two factors within the first half, and six was Betts’ lowest level complete of the season. Nevertheless, she did contribute a game-high 11 assists and 6 rebounds.
Jaquez received the Bruins going within the third quarter with seven factors that fueled a run to place UCLA forward by double figures for the primary time, 51-38. A ten-0 run within the fourth quarter put the guests away.
The Bruins entered the sport ranked third within the nation in defensive area aim share — holding opponents to 35% — and continued that pattern because the Gophers shot 39.7%.
Guard Amaya Battle had challenged UCLA’s protection early, pouring in 17 of the Gophers’ 28 first-half factors. She was held to 4 factors within the second half however nonetheless shot a powerful 10 of 15 for the sport.