UCLA will likely have more important quarters of basketball this season, but it’s unlikely the Bruins will have any better ones. The Bruins flexed their muscles on Southern University in the second quarter on Saturday, outscoring the Jaguars 27-0 in the period.
The Bruins had their Final Four ring ceremony pregame and then they took the court and look destined to make it back to the Final Four with a dominant showing against Southern University to move to 6-0 on the season.
UCLA’s defense was elite last year and it was destined to be elite again this season with Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Lauren Betts returning for her senior season. The team had gotten off to a good start to the season defensively but truly showed their potential on Saturday.
The Bruins took a 49-9 lead to the locker room at halftime while holding the Jaguars to 14.8% shooting from the field while forcing nine turnovers. UCLA had everything going in the second quarter, forcing Southern University to miss all 13 of their shots in the quarter.
UCLA’s offense is more balanced than it was a season ago but to reach their goals of a national title, the Bruins will have to be one of the best defenses in the country. Gabriela Jaquez is a great wing defender, both Kiki Rice and Charlisse Leger-Walker but offer veteran experience on that side of the ball with Betts and Angela Dugalic providing a presence in the paint.
Texas will be looking to hand the Bruins the first loss of the season on Wednesday but UCLA will be heading into the game with plenty of momentum.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA women pitch shutout in second quarter against Jaguars
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
