When just about everything seemed to be going wrong, everything
suddenly became oh so right.
After Thursday night’s ugly loss to Oregon, possibly the
rock-bottom point of the UCLA women’s basketball season,
smiles were at a minimum.
Even more telling was the look of utter dejection visible on
many of the players’ faces.
However, that look of depression quickly changed for the Bruins
after shellacking Oregon State, 91-58, on Saturday.
“I think after Thursday’s game, they didn’t
feel good about themselves, and they wanted to come out and prove a
point,” coach Kathy Olivier said. “It was definitely
team basketball. As a team they said, “˜Let’s go hard
and see what happens,’ and that’s what
happens.”
UCLA’s demeanor of determination and pride showed how
quickly a team chock-full of talent can rebound after such a low
point the game before.
“After Thursday’s loss we had a big team meeting and
the team was in the (locker room) a lot longer than usual,”
senior captain Jamila Veasley said. “It was mostly an open
floor and it was more of the players talking because the coaches
can only do so much.
“We came to the conclusion that it’s us that needs
to make the change.”
The change was evident in the first quarter, as the Bruins
(10-10, 5-6 Pac-10) jumped out to an early 14-2 lead.
The Beavers went scoreless for nearly seven minutes of play in
the first half. The Bruins’ strangulating defense held Oregon
State to only 27 percent shooting from the field as the Beavers
found themselves down 40-17 at the half.
The Bruins set season bests in points and rebounds (51), and
continued their unselfish style of play, finishing with 17
assists.
“It’s my job as a point guard to recognize the
shooters that I have in Noelle (Quinn) and Lisa (Willis), and give
them the ball,” said sophomore guard Nikki Blue, who finished
with 23 points, six assists and seven steals.
“My scoring is going to come and I don’t worry about
that. I just worry about getting them involved, and I know once
they get going, that’s what keeps me going also.”
For the second straight game, freshman guard Quinn finished with
a double-double ““ 24 points and 14 rebounds ““ and
sophomore guard Willis added 21 points and seven rebounds.
“(Blue, Willis and Quinn) have been so good all year, and
they’re constantly getting better every game,” Olivier
said. “When they play so well together it becomes contagious
and good things happen all around.”
UCLA’s success was due to the three players, who played
the majority of the game and nearly every minute of the first half
to build an insurmountable lead.
However, the rest of the Bruins chipped in and provided a spark
as UCLA continued to pour it on in the second half.
“When we put in the subs, there was no letdown,”
Olivier said. “They were bringing it as much as the
starters.”
At one point in the second half, UCLA led by as many as 35
points.
Seven games remain in the Bruins’ season, and all of them
are against conference opponents. With no room for error, UCLA
looks to its senior leader for inspiration.
“I’m trying to make them realize that the turning
time is here,” Veasley said. “The tournament is just
around the corner and these games are really counting because you
can’t afford to lose any of these games and make up for them
later on.”