UCLA women’s basketball: 4 questions for the Big Ten Conference season
LOS ANGELES — Big Ten action is about to get underway, and No. 4 UCLA has fired on all cylinders since its November slip-up against now-No. 2 Texas.
The Bruins were the preseason favorite to claim a second consecutive Big Ten regular-season title. But with rotations still unclear as injured players weave their way back into rotations, can coach Cori Close juggle the star-powered roster back en route to the Final Four or further?
Time will tell in Westwood. Here are four top questions UCLA (11-1, 1-0 Big Ten) needs to answer as conference play resumes against No. 19 Ohio State on Sunday in Columbus.
How will Sienna Betts and Timea Gardiner impact the Bruins?
Dusting off the rust, Betts returned to action two weeks ago after a preseason lower-leg surgery. Game No. 1 was a bit up-and-down. Betts made a fadeaway jumper but struggled from the charity stripe, going three for eight.
In the Bruins’ victory over Long Beach State four days later, however, the 6-foot-4 freshman recorded 14 points and five rebounds in 15 minutes. The younger sister of Lauren Betts will probably cut into the minutes of forwards Angela Dugalic and Amanda Muse, but offers higher positional versatility with her ability to play like a traditional wing on the floor.
Gardiner (knee) had a setback while recovering from an offseason procedure. Last season, the senior forward led the Bruins in 3-point percentage, shooting at a 39.5% clip. The former Oregon State transfer will likely play a similar role off the bench once cleared – something Close said is on the horizon – but expect limited minutes early.
Can UCLA compete with No. 1 UConn?
UConn coach Geno Auriemma has the Huskies rolling again – and they may be too dominant to hurdle in March. Led by a backcourt of Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, who average more than 18 points per game each, UConn has comfortably defeated four ranked foes, including a 28-point victory over USC.
Where the Bruins may struggle to match up against the Huskies is attempting to stop the scoring firepower of their Big East foes. Big Ten action will be a hefty test for UCLA as it tries to create definite answers on the defensive end and improve from the 55.2 points per game it allows – which ranks 39th in the nation.
Will the Bruins erase doubts about the offense outside of Lauren Betts?
Primary critiques of UCLA, from fans and the national media alike, often focus on one topic: Lauren Betts. The 6-foot-7 potential top selection in the WNBA draft is one of the best players in the country, averaging 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game and is a clear candidate to repeat as Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
During the Bruins’ Final Four run, UCLA reverted to throwing the ball into Lauren Betts in the paint – turning a high-efficient effort in the first three rounds into up-and-down performances against UConn and LSU.
One-dimensional offense may be a thing of the past. Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens have provided consistent threats from beyond-the-arc, while Kiki Rice has turned into a far more aggressive guard in her senior season. Close can turn any direction, but when UCLA hits crunch time, eyes will always focus on Lauren Betts.
Is the Big Ten a clear UCLA steamroll?
No. 6 Michigan and No. 7 Maryland are the true conference threats to UCLA, yet the Bruins should remain favorites among eight Big Ten teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25 poll.
The Wolverines (10-1, 1-0) boast a dynamic duo of guards Olivia Olson and Syla Swords, who aren’t far too dissimilar to the Huskies’ backcourt operation. UCLA handled Michigan by 16 points at Pauley Pavilion last season.
The Terrapins (13-0, 1-0) are red hot, having defeated two ranked foes and overcoming an overtime challenge against Minnesota. Maryland is led by guard Oluchi Okananwa. Indiana transfer forward Yarden Garzon has shored up the frontcourt.
Don’t count out No. 17 USC and Ohio State as outside shots too.