NCAAW: No. 1 South Carolina faces tough test against No. 5 UCLA

On Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles hosted the first of two potential national championship previews, with No. 6 Notre Dame earning the statement win over No. 3 USC, 74-61. On Sunday afternoon, No. 1 South Carolina, the defending national champs who have won 43-straight games, visit No. 5 UCLA for the second Southern California showdown (4 p.m. ET, FS1).

It’s the toughest test yet for the Gamecocks. Although an undefeated 5-0 with an average margin of victory of 27 points per game, South Carolina has yet to feel as dominant as last season’s squad, with somewhat slow starts plaguing the Gamecocks through the season’s early going. Also unbeaten, UCLA persevered for victory in the season’s opener over Louisville. Since then, the Bruins have cruised against overmatched opponents, most recently ringing up 101 points as they trounced Arkansas.

Here are three areas of the game that could determine the course of the contest, including if UCLA can pull off the upset:

Can Betts and the Bruins own the glass?

More than most challengers, the Bruins are equipped to go toe-to-toe with the Gamecocks. The size and athleticism of South Carolina usually overwhelms opponents; UCLA, in contrast, also has roster with those traits. In fact, they might have the advantage. Last season, South Carolina benefitted from a 6-foot-7 difference maker in Kamilla Cardoso. Now, the 6-foot-7 force is on the other side in junior center Lauren Betts. She’s been dealing double-doubles for UCLA, averaging 21.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

But, Betts is not the only interior presence South Carolina will have to handle. Junior forward Janiah Barker, a transfer from Texas A&M, also has the athleticism required to keep up with the Gamecocks. She’s nearly registering a double-double, posting 11.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Quiet in the Bruins’ first two games, Barker has begun to find a groove, with consecutive games of at least 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Led by that pairing, UCLA has owned the glass, ranking fifth nationally in total rebounds. From the wings, junior Gabriela Jaquez and senior Angela Dugalic also help the Bruins haul in the boards. Traditionally, rebounding has been an essential component of South Carolina’s dominance. Thus far, they rank 10th in total rebounds, led by junior forward Chloe Kitts’ 9.8 boards per game. If UCLA not only neutralizes, but potentially betters, South Carolina on the glass, the Bruins could have the Gamecocks on their heels.

Will the 3-ball advantage the Bruins or Gamecocks?

UCLA could gain another edge over South Carolina from behind the arc. While the Bruins’ 33 percent from 3 isn’t much better than the Gamecocks’ 32.2 percent, UCLA takes 25 triples per game compared to South Carolina’s 19.2. Those extra attempts could produce crucial points in a close contest. Junior forward Timea Gardiner’s proficiency from deep could be particularly pivotal. If her defender is forced to guard her from the outside, whether that be Kitts, junior forward Ashlyn Watkins or freshman forward Joyce Edwards, that pulls a rim protector and rebounder away from the basket for the Gamecocks, which gives Betts more room to work inside.

South Carolina, however, has more shooters who can potentially catch fire. If the Gamecocks increase their volume, the 3-ball could swing their game in their favor. Sophomore guard Tessa Johnson has been scorching from outside, making over 55 percent of her 3s. Senior guards Te-Hina Paopao and Bree Hall both are shooting better than 40 percent from deep. Albeit at only 33.3 percent, sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley certainly could rain in a series of triples that drown the Bruins.

Will South Carolina’s depth be the difference?

Depth, however, remains South Carolina’s most valuable weapon. Head coach Dawn Staley has a full bench of players she is comfortable calling on, trusting them to be prepared to play the kind of disciplined, detail-oriented ball she demands.

South Carolina gets an average of 38.2 bench points per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. Fulwiley and Edwards, South Carolina’s third and fourth leading scorers, respectively, captain the Carolina bench; Fulwiley averages 12.8 points per game, while Edwards averages 9.6 points and 5.2 boards. Conversely, UCLA is tied for 139th in bench scoring nationally, with 22.8 points per contest. Outside of Barker, head coach Cori Close cannot count on consistent production from her reserves.

Even if UCLA is able to establish the rare advantages over South Carolina, the relentlessness of the Gamecocks, which derives from the depth of their roster, could prove too much for the Bruins. If that’s the case, expect South Carolina to leave Westwood with a 44th-straight win.

Game information

No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks (5-0) vs. No. 5 UCLA Bruins (4-0)

When: Sunday, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. ET

Where: Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA

How to watch: FS1