UCLA Bruins Seek Championship Glory in Elite Eight Showdown

SPOKANE, Wash. — The UCLA Bruins are poised for their first trip to the Final Four since 2018 as they prepare to face Louisiana State University in the Elite Eight on Sunday. After overcoming a previous Sweet 16 curse, UCLA secured a spot in the next round with a decisive 76-62 victory over fifth-seeded Mississippi on Friday.

The victory is particularly sweet for junior guard Kiki Rice, who expressed the team’s determination to succeed after two prior exits in the same round. “Coming out here the last two times and not having won really is a sour taste in all our mouths,” Rice said. “We learned the extra competitiveness and energy that we’ll play with because we don’t want to have that same feeling again.”

UCLA entered the postseason with their best record in program history at 33-2 and has been in the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year. Head coach Cori Close emphasized the evolution of her team and their readiness for this moment. “We’re going to have habits that lead us to those places, and now we’ve got to push the envelope,” Close said after the team’s second-round win.

In Friday’s game, junior center Lauren Betts delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 31 points on an almost flawless shooting night. Betts connected on 15 of 16 shots while securing 10 rebounds, showcasing her dominance in the paint. Alongside her, Rice contributed 13 points and seven assists, including a pivotal three-pointer that helped maintain momentum.

The Bruins took control early against Mississippi, never trailing and maintaining a double-digit lead in the second half. College basketball analysts lauded the team’s defensive intensity, as they forced 14 turnovers and held the Rebels to 42.3 percent shooting from the floor.

“We knew we had to make it hard for them,” Rice stated after the victory. “They’re a really well-coached team, so we had to stay locked in.” The physicality and depth of UCLA’s roster have proven essential in their tournament run, as players have stepped up when needed.

The upcoming matchup against LSU will serve as a rematch of last year’s Sweet 16 clash, which the Tigers won 78-69. Both teams have significantly evolved since that encounter, with UCLA eager to show their growth and secure a place in the Final Four.

Close reflected on the team’s journey, noting that their hard work and commitment have set the foundation for their success. “It’s just been cool to see the growth,” junior guard Jaime Jaquez said. “We understand that we all had to individually get better, and as a team, collectively get better and understand that we don’t like that feeling and we can change it so let’s do that.”

As they gear up for Sunday, the Bruins are confident in their abilities and are driven by the memory of previous disappointments. Rice asserted, “To know that we’re taking the steps in the right direction, it means a lot to us.” With the opportunity to advance to the Final Four, UCLA is ready to seize the moment.