UCLA Women’s Basketball Dominates Early Season With Win Over Creighton
The top-ranked UCLA women’s basketball team continued its impressive start to the season by decisively defeating Creighton 70-41 during the Invisalign Bay Area Women’s Classic held at the Chase Center on December 20, 2024. This victory marked the Bruins’ twelfth consecutive win, solidifying their perfect 12-0 record.
From the tip-off, the Bruins showcased their talent and strategic prowess. They quickly established their dominance, finishing the first quarter with an astonishing lead of 26-4. The Bluejays struggled significantly, shooting only 7.7% from the field during this period. “We’ve proven – and the evidence is there – of what we can become,” said Coach Cori Close. “But we have not arrived, and I think our ability to be relentlessly focused on being present and having a growth mindset – (it) is urgent we improve today.”
UCLA junior guard Kiki Rice opened the scoring and finished the first quarter with ten points on 4-for-7 shooting. Despite missing the first three games of the season due to injury, Rice’s performance on this night proved her capability and leadership. She tallied a total of 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists after leading her team through the early stages of the game.
Angela Dugalić also made her mark, contributing 13 points and 14 rebounds, earning her second double-double of the season. “Kiki did so well … directing everybody on the court – from new players to old players, whoever it was – and she just took initiative,” praised Dugalić, showcasing the trust and camaraderie built within the team.
The Bruins continued to exert their dominance throughout the game, especially on the boards. Outrebounding Creighton a staggering 59-26, UCLA made its presence known both offensively and defensively. The Bluejays, on the other hand, were limited to just 23% shooting for the night, including 5-for-22 from beyond the arc. The defense was particularly effective against Creighton's top scorers, Lauren Jensen and Morgan Maly, who were held to four and fifteen points respectively.
Although UCLA faced some challenges, allowing Creighton to outscore them 19-16 or the second quarter, they maintained their lead and entered halftime comfortably positioned at 42-23. Even with the absence of star junior center Lauren Betts, who was sidelined with leg injury, the Bruins adapted and thrived. “Reminding everyone, especially all the new people, transfers and freshmen, … UCLA has always been a great rebounding program,” Rice noted, underscoring the team's historic strength.
UCLA's offensive flow remained steady throughout the match, and they ended the third quarter with double the score of Creighton, firmly establishing their superiority. With standout performances from other players like Janiah Barker, who accumulated 11 rebounds, the depth of the team shone brightly. Despite Creighton’s brief resurgence, they could not overcome the early deficit.
Close is now focusing on the next challenges as UCLA prepares to face Nebraska on December 29, saying, “This conference (the Big Ten) will hold you accountable. It will hold you accountable to your consistency. It will hold you accountable to your growth.” The Bruins clearly show their adaptiveness and determination as they approach conference play and beyond, with high aspirations for the rest of the season.
Overall, this dominant performance not only reinforces UCLA's spot at the top of women’s college basketball but also sets the tone for the rest of the 2024-2025 season. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the Bruins as they aim for continued success and possibly historic achievements.
