On paper, the decision to start the UCLA women’s basketball season with three of its first four games against top-15 opponents could be interpreted as a mistake because of the resulting four-game losing streak. However, the Bruins’ encounter with adversity has answered critical questions that give them a new outlook on their capabilities.
The Bruins faced three top-15, undefeated teams – No. 6 North Carolina, No. 4 Texas and No. 12 Nebraska – and James Madison, whose only loss came to No. 15 Maryland.
When coach Cori Close made the schedule, she had one question on her mind about how the team would respond to obstacles:
“Would we be able to stay together and really value growth and continue to keep fighting for that growth?”
And her answer is yes.
Close said she is really proud of her team’s resolve in sticking with each other and “trusting the process over the product.”
The fourth-year coach has been stressing the importance of honing in on what’s under her team’s control – and that sometimes improvement does not come in the form of wins. Even though the Bruins (1-4) just collected their first win Tuesday night against Cincinnati, Close says her players are getting better every day.
Each game teaches them something new and gives them an updated perspective on their progress.
“What we can improve on is something we take out of every game, regardless of results,” said junior guard Nirra Fields.
Specific moments of progress and impact can be found in the contributions of the freshmen. Close said there is lots of pressure on the nation’s top-ranked freshman class to perform, but added that they, especially forwards Lajahna Drummer and Monique Billings, have been key in changing the course of games.
“We ask them to run around and do all the hard work, but in both games they’ve been major turning points,” Close said, referring to an 11-2 run against Nebraska and a 10-second backcourt violation the Bruins forced early in the second half against Cincinnati.
The Bruins still have plenty to work on. Senior forward Corinne Costa said the offense needs to be more cohesive.
Turnovers and holding onto leads have been issues as well, but UCLA showed it could keep a lead as the Bruins never trailed against Cincinnati.
UCLA has a break from top-ranked teams for their next four games, but each of the next four opponents holds a winning record.
The opportunities for growth ahead excite Close.