The young talent on the UCLA women’s basketball team grew up quickly Wednesday night.
Facing a Cal State Northridge team that had already played two games, an inexperienced Bruin squad showed the poise befitting the No. 4 nationally-ranked recruiting class, pulling out an 81-69 victory on the road.
Senior Lindsey Pluimer led UCLA (1-0) with 16 points on the night, but it was freshman standout Doreena Campbell who most impressed coach Kathy Olivier.
“Doreena did a great job sparking us,” said Olivier. “She made some very good decisions.”
Campbell contributed 14 points, along with some solid ball-handling skills, distributing three assists and turning the ball over only once. Campbell gave credit to her teammates for her spectacular play.
“I think we were all able to contribute and click well together,” Campbell said.
Despite acknowledging the importance of stepping up for a victory on the road, Olivier expressed concern on the defensive side of the ball, which has become a focal point for the Bruins. UCLA racked up 51 rebounds against the Matadors (0-3), but Olivier was not satisfied, noticing a lack of boxing out on the offensive boards.
“We allowed way too many offensive rebounds,” said Olivier.
The Bruins opened slowly, allowing Northridge to control the tempo in the opening minutes of the game. It was Campbell, however, who finally gave the Bruins a 23-21 lead 12 minutes into the half.
The Bruins put on an offensive show to close the half, going on a 12-0 tear. Seven of those points came from Campbell.
In the second half, the Bruins kept pushing, never letting Northridge come closer than within eight points.
In all, five Bruin players finished the night in double figures, including freshman forward Nina Earl, who was impressive in her regular season debut with 13 points and an astounding seven steals.
“Nina did a good job coming off the bench,” said Olivier. “Her defense really created our offense.”
The Bruin defense as a whole was the name of the game Wednesday night.
“The team did pretty well (on defense); we were really active,” said Campbell. “The defensive spark is always going to happen with a different person every night.”
Despite being outscored in the second half, 42-40, the Bruins were able to convert free throws down the stretch, effectively icing the game.
Campbell and Earl weren’t the only freshmen to deliver a fantastic debut. Guard Darxia Morris pitched in with a solid 12 points.
The outstanding play of UCLA’s young players, along with the steady leadership provided by the veteran presence of senior Pluimer, helped the Bruins overcome the sweltering heat and a tough road opener.
“It was hot, really hot,” said Olivier. “Lindsey did a good job of keeping us organized and focused. That’s the senior in her.”
While the Bruins can improve on their effort, Olivier commended the overall effort of her team:
“I love the fact that we got a win on the road. It’s a big win.”