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Los Angeles – No. 1 UCLA used a late-game run Sunday to outlast No. 22 Michigan State, 75-69, and avoid a second consecutive loss.
Janiah Barker had 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Timea Gardiner also scored 18, including a crucial late three that helped seal the win. Kiki Rice added 16 points to a balanced Bruin effort.
Coming off their only loss of the season three nights earlier, UCLA was without leading scorer Lauren Betts, who was out with a foot injury. Even so, the hosts started strong, and were up 8 points at halftime.
But the Spartans were the more physical team in the third quarter, and quickly erased their deficit by outscoring the Bruins, 22-12, and playing lockdown defense. Michigan State lead for most of the fourth quarter before Gardiner hit a three-pointer to put her team up by 2. Rice hit four free throws in the game’s final minute.
Theryn Hallock lead the way for the visitors, with 19 points, while Julia Ayrault scored 18 and Grace VanSlooten, 16. The game featured 6 lead changes and 11 ties.
UCLA coach Cori Close said she was impressed with the way each person stepped up.
“I am really proud of the confidence, the grit and the toughness that we earned,” she said. “We’ve talked about not relying on your talent and making it look pretty. It’s been a commitment to taking care of end-game situations.”
The Bruins lost to crosstown rival No. 6 USC, which made the bounce-back win important to them.
“I think it meant a lot to us,” Rice said. “We didn’t want to let one loss derail our season because we know the kind of team we are, but it was really great to just have so many different people step up tonight. I think it brings everyone confidence, and it really just puts us in a good mindset going into the next few games, which will be tough.”
Gardiner said UCLA worked together for the win.
“When we play together we’re a really tough team to beat,” she said. “We were all on the same page, and communicating fully. Everyone stepped up in their own way.”
As pleased as she was with what she calls the hardest-working team she’s ever coached, Close said she knows the Bruins can get better due to their exceptional depth.
“I do think there’s more in us,” she said. “We’re not rebounding to our full potential, we can execute to a higher rate, we can make more plays on the defensive end.”
“I’m thrilled to have a team in that position, and I hope they can make it (happen) the rest of the way.”
UCLA hosts Illinois Thursday before hitting the road to take on Iowa and Wisconsin.
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