Overcoming an Early Deficit
Entering Sunday's Sacramento 2 regional final as the heavy favorite, the top-seeded UCLA Bruins faced an uncharacteristic struggle against No. 3 Duke. Early on, the team appeared tense, and for only the second time this season, UCLA found itself trailing at halftime.
Duke, energized by a recent upset over LSU, effectively disrupted the Bruins' flow during the opening 20 minutes. UCLA committed 12 turnovers in the first half alone and struggled from beyond the arc, missing all four of their attempts. Consequently, the Blue Devils carried a 39-31 lead into the intermission, marking a rare deficit for the Bruins, who had not trailed at the break since their November loss to Texas.
A Dominant Second-Half Surge
The atmosphere shifted dramatically following the halftime break. UCLA emerged from the locker room with renewed focus, quickly scoring seven points on their initial three possessions. A crucial 3-pointer from Gabriela Jaquez helped open up the paint, setting the stage for a comeback.
By the latter part of the third quarter, the momentum had firmly shifted. A 16-6 run, capped by a Gianna Kneepkens 3-pointer, propelled the Bruins into a 47-45 lead—their first since the opening minute. The defensive intensity ramped up significantly, with UCLA holding Duke scoreless for nearly six minutes and executing a 9-0 run to take control.
The Impact of Lauren Betts
Duke ultimately struggled to contain All-American center Lauren Betts in the interior. Betts delivered a standout performance, recording 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks, while shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field. As noted by observers, the team's ability to dominate the post was pivotal.
Road to the Final Four
With the 70-58 victory, the Bruins outscored Duke 39-19 in the second half, showcasing their resilience under pressure. Angela Dugalic provided valuable support off the bench with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Looking ahead, UCLA is headed to the Final Four. Their next opponent will be determined by the outcome of the matchup between No. 1 seed Texas and No. 2 Michigan. Notably, should Texas advance, the Bruins will have the opportunity for a rematch against the only team that has defeated them this season.