At her gamers’ request, Cori Shut confirmed up inside Pauley Pavilion 5 hours earlier than tipoff. The UCLA girls’s basketball coach was joined by her assistants and managers for pregame capturing at 6:30 a.m., so many gamers filling the courtroom that the classes needed to be staggered.
Three days after a lackluster exhibiting of their season opener, the Bruins felt they’d one thing to show of their first sport at residence. The extra work earlier than dealing with UC Santa Barbara on Thursday mirrored their dedication.
“I imply, I by no means have to teach this group’s work ethic,” Shut mentioned. “That’s by no means in query. And in order that’s a extremely enjoyable place to be in.”
The day’s greatest gratification would come later, the third-ranked Bruins resembling an All-Star group at occasions throughout an 87-50 rout of the Gauchos that confirmed glimpses of the firepower they hope to completely unleash by season’s finish.
Ahead Gabriela Jaquez revealed probably the greatest long-range capturing shows of her profession, making 4 of seven three-pointers on the best way to 21 factors. Level guard Kiki Rice was a continuing playmaker in her return to the beginning lineup whereas scoring 20 factors, grabbing eight rebounds and distributing three assists. Capturing guard Gianna Kneepkens added one other dimension to the offense with 4 extra three-pointers and 20 factors.
It was the primary time the Bruins had three gamers rating 20 or extra factors since 4 of them did it towards Bellarmine in November 2023.
“There’s so many weapons that I really feel prefer it’s laborious for the protection to decide on what to remove,” Kneepkens mentioned, “so I feel actually what makes this group particular is that on any night time it could possibly be somebody’s night time, in order that’s a extremely laborious factor to scout.”
The problem for the Bruins (2-0) could possibly be to maximise all that expertise.
Shut mentioned Rice had despatched her an Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder information convention through which the group talked about constructing rhythm with its offense by greatest using the gamers who have been scorching on any given night time.
“We’re not fairly there but,” Shut mentioned. “We’re not enjoying with nice rhythm. … I feel we simply haven’t completely discovered that circulate but.”
UCLA guard Kiki Rice drives to the basket previous UC Santa Barbara guard Zoe Shaw through the second half Thursday.
(Kyusung Gong / Related Press)
A part of that could possibly be pinned on Rice nonetheless rounding into type from a shoulder damage and fellow level guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (eight factors, seven assists, three steals) enjoying in solely her second sport since getting back from a prolonged damage layoff.
The Bruins have been additionally with out Sienna Betts (decrease leg) and Timea Gardiner (knee) for a second consecutive sport. Shut mentioned there remained no timetable for Betts’ return at the same time as she continued to progress.
However Shut mentioned she preferred the best way her gamers responded after describing them as “flat all the best way round” of their opener, a 24-point victory over San Diego State.
“The movie session after that was not enjoyable. Apply was not enjoyable,” Shut mentioned. “And their willingness to say, ‘That is what we’d like. We have to be challenged. We didn’t meet the usual’ — I’m actually impressed with their willingness to do this.”
After some lackadaisical UCLA protection within the first quarter, there was a stretch within the second quarter through which the Bruins made it tough simply to get the ball previous halfcourt.
Jaquez caught out a hand, tipping an outlet go to herself earlier than entering into for a driving layup through which she was fouled. On the Gauchos’ subsequent possession, Leger-Walker got here up with one other steal, resulting in a Rice layup.
It wasn’t lengthy earlier than Jaquez and teammate Lauren Betts (12 factors, seven rebounds, six assists) used a double group alongside the sideline to drive one other turnover.
Closing the half on a 19-2 run, the Bruins surged right into a 51-26 lead. UCLA additionally benefited from an oddity halfway by means of the second quarter when the Gauchos (1-1) have been assessed a technical foul for having a participant carrying a jersey quantity that didn’t correspond with the scorebook.
For UCLA, the largest problem may need been scheduling the sport.
Shut mentioned she’s struggled to get groups to conform to play the Bruins after their Ultimate 4 run, calling each college within the state from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Most of UCLA’s marquee nonconference video games, beginning with a showdown towards Oklahoma on Monday in Sacramento, will likely be at impartial websites.
“They saved saying it’s the Lauren Betts issue and I used to be like, ‘No, it’s the you’re scared issue. Come on,’ ” Shut mentioned. “I really actually lose respect for individuals who aren’t keen to step up and play laborious folks.”
The Gauchos eagerly complied partly as a result of they have been Shut’s alma mater and the spot the place she coached for 9 years.
“Thanks to them for stepping up and coming into Pauley,” Shut mentioned, “and eager to get higher at their craft and rising the sport.”
For the Gauchos, given the best way issues went, they may be owed a Christmas card as nicely.
Early to rise, the Bruins additionally put an early finish to any upset hopes.
