It can be difficult to ignite a fire, especially when conditions are unfavorable.
UCLA women’s basketball (7-9) had an adverse start to its season with 10 newcomers, including five freshmen and two redshirt freshmen. They started with a four-game losing streak, and recently had to bench key players due to injuries.
The hype that preceded the Bruins’ season seemed to dim with each loss – until now.
UCLA was linked arm and arm on the bench, legs quivering, watching with wide eyes as the final 15 seconds expired in Colorado on Sunday afternoon, counting down on the Bruins’ 90-84 win.
Conference play sparked a new flame in the UCLA players, who now stand at 3-2 against Pac-12 teams after two road wins over the weekend against Utah and Colorado.
UCLA’s 49-46 win over Utah on Friday was largely because of the efforts of freshman guard Jordin Canada. Canada, who broke her nose and suffered a concussion on Jan. 2, came off the bench and tallied 16 total points for the Bruins, a game high for the freshman.
“I think sticking together through adversity really improved since the preseason,” Canada said. “We had some really tough games, and that just prepared us for conference games on the road. We have to stick together no matter what the circumstances.”
Although the Bruins had a season low in total points against the Utes, they did increase their accuracy to 36.2 percent, a large improvement after their 25 percent accuracy in the previous game against Oregon.
On Sunday afternoon, UCLA again came out on top after a close game against Colorado. The Bruins ended their three-game streak of scoring under 50 points, scoring 50 points in just the first half – the most UCLA has scored in the first half all season.
From tip-off to halftime, the court was dominated by UCLA. The Bruins shot for 60.6 percent, even taking a 20-point lead over the Buffaloes.
The Bruins’ strong lead dwindled into a tie game with 15 minutes left in the second half after strong offensive and defensive efforts from Colorado.
Unlike on Friday, the Bruins showed strength offensively. Coach Cori Close emphasized the importance of “passion plays” against Colorado, nonstatistical plays such as screens that led to the increase in scoring.
“We haven’t been able to link together all the pieces of the puzzle to get us easier shot opportunities,” Close said. “I thought it was the people away from the shooting that were really the difference on why we scored at such a higher rate.”
Increased efforts on the defensive end for the Bruins proved the ultimate game changer as the final minute expired in Boulder, Colo. Junior guard Nirra Fields drew an offensive foul on Colorado’s Jamee Swan, and a series of free throws brought UCLA’s lead to six points with just seconds left, a deficit that the Buffaloes were not able to overcome.
It was the first time this season that six UCLA players scored in double digits. Redshirt sophomore guard Kari Korver led the Bruins with 17 points, and senior forward/center Corinne Costa had a season-high 16 points. Costa also had five rebounds.
Freshman guard Recee’ Caldwell and freshman forward Lajahna Drummer also posted big numbers for the Bruins, with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Canada and Fields, who came off the bench despite a weak ankle, both had 10 points apiece. Canada had a career high in assists, tallying nine.
“It was definitely a team win,” Korver said. “A lot of people contributed.”
The team had its second-highest field goal percentage at 53 percent by the end of the game and also showed strength from the 3-point line, making the most 3-point shots in a single game all season.
“I’m proud of the character and resilience of what I saw from them in the way they interacted,” Close said. “Their team spirit, their industriousness – the real basic things that coach (John) Wooden would stress.”
The game was an overall confidence booster for the Bruins, who have taken a dramatic leap in the Pac-12 rankings and are now 3-0 on the road. They face USC for the second time this season on Sunday in Pauley Pavilion.