This Sunday, UCLA will travel across the country to take on the University of Maryland Terrapins in College Park, Md. The game will be a rematch of last year’s tight affair at Pauley Pavilion, in which UCLA lost 79-75. In that game, the Bruins led for much of the second half before finally falling to then-No. 3 Maryland. This time around, UCLA hopes for a different result and an early statement win for new coach Nikki Caldwell. Here are some story lines going into Sunday’s huge nonconference tilt.
The Revenge Factor
A young UCLA team let a 16-point lead slip away a year ago. UCLA will look for a more favorable result on Sunday, albeit in a more hostile environment.
The Benefits of Experience
Eight current Bruins saw playing time during last year’s contest, including three starters. The added experience should benefit UCLA in its first road game of the season in one of the country’s toughest venues.
The Outlook
If the Bruins can keep the game close, it could be a big boost for a team looking to solidify its image under Caldwell. The Bruins were outrebounded a year ago, but given their prowess crashing the boards in their first two contests, they will have a chance to dominate inside.
Guard play will be the key, and expect the matchup between UCLA’s sophomore guard Doreena Campbell and Maryland’s senior guard Kristi Toliver to be a fantastic one. Maryland will look to erase the memory of a season-opening loss at Texas Christian and returns a talented lineup that is among the best in the country.
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