Team enters crucial stretch

The UCLA women’s basketball team has been tested against
one of the most grueling schedules in the country, but the next two
weeks might prove to be the most demanding. Or the most rewarding.
With the next three games against No. 14 Stanford, California, and
No. 15 Arizona State, the UCLA ball club has an opportunity to make
up a lot of ground in the Pac-10 very quickly. However, two or more
losses could take the Bruins out of the conference race altogether.
“We’ve got two games at home (against Stanford and
California),” coach Kathy Olivier said. “It’s a
great spot to be in, you get to play a team that could put you
right back on the map.” Olivier maintained an upbeat outlook
as her team prepares to host a Cardinal team that beat them
soundly, 91-68, up in Palo Alto on New Year’s day. However
the Bruins are playing at home, and look to continue their strong
play in Pauley Pavilion, where they are 6-1 in the year. As far as
the prospects of the upcoming schedule posing a “potentially
dangerous road”, Olivier responded with assurance that the
Bruins are happy to have an opportunity for redemption. “We
are not looking at it like that whatsoever,” Olivier said.
The strenuous final stretch of conference play is comparatively
weak considering UCLA has the 17th toughest schedule in the nation,
and the single toughest in the conference. They have suffered close
road losses to No. 8 Baylor and No. 17 Oklahoma that has taken the
shine off their 10-8 record. However, the Bruins have a marquee
victory over No. 13 Georgia and an impressive RPI, which factors in
strength of schedule, to boost the team’s postseason chances.
“We competed against the best teams in the country on the
road in non-conference,” Olivier said. “We helped the
Pac-10 with our non-conference schedule.”

PITTS RETURNS: Junior forward Julia Pitts has
fully recovered from arthroscopic surgery on her right knee,
playing in her first regular season game since Feb. 12, 2004. Pitts
didn’t receive any playing time before halftime, but
registered 2 points and 2 rebounds in 8 second-half minutes. Her
presence was felt almost immediately as she stole an inbounds pass
in the final two minutes of the game that led to a layup by junior
guard Nikki Blue, cutting the USC lead to 70-66. “(Getting
Pitts back) is a bright spot for this team,” Olivier said.
“She is very well liked by all her teammates, she brings a
lot of positive energy. She is going to get better and better, and
give us another quick body on the floor.” Pitts, whose career
has been hindered by chronic knee injuries, redshirted the
2004-2005 season to have rehabilitative surgery on her left
knee.

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