It was business as usual on Friday for the UCLA Bruins, with UCLA extending their winning streak to 28 with a 80-56 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Sweet 16. Next, UCLA will face the winner of Duke-LSU for a chance to get back into the Final Four.
UCLA left no doubt in the second half
UCLA started the game on the right foot in the first quarter but Minnesota stormed back in the second quarter, winning the period and going into halftime with the Bruins leading just 34-29. The UCLA defense ended things after halftime, as Cori Close had the Bruins humming in the second half.
Minnesota fared better versus the Bruins back in January
Minnesota showed plenty of fight against their Big Ten opponent but the talent difference was too extreme to overcome. After a 18-point loss to UCLA in the regular season, the Bruins got a 24-point win over Minnesota in the tournament.
Another quiet game from three for UCLA
The Golden Gophers knocked down their threes, going 6-12 from behind the arc. UCLA had a much rougher game from three, going just 4-16. That lack of scoring from deep might fly against Minnesota but the Bruins might not be able to survive another game of rough shooting.
UCLA’s seniors starred once again
As per usual, the Bruins relied on their seniors. Kiki Rice led the game with 21 points, with Lauren Betts adding 16 and Angela Dugalic scoring 13. While Rice sliced through the Minnesota defense, Betts and Dugalic took over the interior. The senior duo helped UCLA outscore Minnesota 52-22 in the paint.
UCLA matches a program record with 34 wins this season
With the win, UCLA matches a single-season win record for the program. The Bruins have notched 34 wins in each of the past two seasons, with UCLA having a chance to set a new program-high in the Elite Eight.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA moves to the Elite Eight after 80-56 win over Minnesota
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
