For sophomore point guard Doreena Campbell, the sites and sounds were similar. The people in the stands and the points on the floor were familiar. Unfortunately the rest of Bruins were in uncharted territory Sunday afternoon.
Campbell was returning to the East Coast for the first time in a Bruin uniform after signing out of Alexandria, Virginia two years ago. The guard played one of the best games of her career, leading the team in scoring with 25 points, just miles from where she calls home, but in the end her team came home with a loss.
“I had some family and friends there, so it was pretty cool,” Campbell said of her homecoming.
“It was kind of like playing a high school game, but really it was just another away game. It was still a pretty good experience.”
The Bruins fell to No. 11 Maryland, 88-65, in a rematch of last year’s nail-biting contest at Pauley Pavilion.
The game slipped out of reach for UCLA (2-1) midway through the first half, as they struggled to deal with a tough Maryland defense. It was the first loss for coach Nikki Caldwell, whose team was playing its first road contest of the season.
The tough road environment was not kind to her team. The Bruins shot just under 35 percent from the floor.
“In these games, you have to bring your A game, or they will expose you,” Caldwell said of the road defeat. “Maryland has some playmakers.”
Those playmakers made the Bruins pay on Sunday.
Preseason All-American guard Kristi Toliver led the Terrapins with 25 points, including four 3-point shots to put UCLA away early.
Junior Marissa Coleman also accounted for 22 points, as the Bruins proved unable to lock down either of Maryland’s top two threats.
“They had those two kids who could make a play, and their ability to shoot the three really made a difference,” Caldwell said. “We kept plugging away, and I’m proud of the fact that we fought and stayed in it until the end.”
Despite the loss, UCLA did some things well, including out-rebounding the Terrapins.
A rebounding advantage has become a staple for Caldwell’s team in the early going. Aside from being the leading scorer, Campbell also pitched in with eight rebounds.
The Bruins were able to fight back at points in the second half, cutting the deficit down to 13 points before the home team pulled away.
“We actually played pretty well, mostly in the second half,” Campbell said. “But in the first half we had some lapses.”
The result left a sour taste in the mouth of Caldwell, who noted that there were areas of the game that her team must improve on to be successful as the season wears on.
But both Caldwell and Campbell noted that the tough road game provided good experience for the team.
“This should hopefully help us in the long run when you look at March Madness,” Campbell said. “We talked about the game and that there are some areas of improvement, especially in the turnover situation. That is something that has cost us.”
The Bruins struggled from long range, making just one of 15 3-point attempts, while struggling to contain Maryland’s long-range specialists. Because they were unable to convert those shots, it was difficult for UCLA to stem the tide of the Maryland runs.
“I think those who are 3-point specialists need to shoot it, but we have to take our opponents that shoot the three out of the comfort zone,” Campbell said. “We have to do a much better job of that.”
UCLA sophomore point guard Darxia Morris saw minutes against Maryland, a good development for UCLA. Morris sat out much of last season and the first two games of this season while recovering from a knee injury and offseason surgery.
Campbell, who has taken over the task of running the offense in her absence, believes that Morris’ presence will be a boost to the Bruins, who need more depth at that position.
“It was really nice to have Darxia back,” Campbell said. “It’s great to see her get back on the floor and get some confidence.”
UCLA will play its second road contest in as many games on Wednesday at 7 p.m., when they travel to San Luis Obispo to play Cal Poly in a non-conference matchup.