The stage was set for a showdown, but what unfolded at Amalie Arena was nothing short of a basketball masterclass by Connecticut, as they crushed UCLA 85-51 in a record-breaking NCAA women’s national semifinal performance.
A Clash of Titans Ends in Unequivocal Dominance
The bright lights of the NCAA Final Four, often a stage for the dramatic, seemed to blind the UCLA Bruins more than it illuminated their path to glory. In a game where passes slipped through fingers and rebounds careened out of bounds, the Bruins found themselves overwhelmed by a Connecticut team that looked every bit the part of a seasoned contender.
“Passes glanced off their hands. Rebounds squirted out of bounds. The bright lights of a historic season blinded UCLA on the biggest stage,” was how the night began, and it only grew more challenging from there. UCLA, carrying the weight of a 34-3 record and the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, crumbled under pressure, losing their grip on the game with 19 turnovers and a slew of missed opportunities from beyond the arc.
UConn’s Experienced Trio Shines Bright
While UCLA struggled to find their rhythm, Connecticut’s stars took to the spotlight with poise and precision. Freshman Sarah Strong led the scoring with 22 points, followed closely by Azzi Fudd who contributed 19 points. Paige Bueckers, although quieter with 16 points, played a crucial role in setting the pace and dismantling UCLA’s defense.
Geno Auriemma, UConn’s coach, expressed his satisfaction with the performance, noting, “I have to say that this was somewhat unexpected. UCLA is just really, really good and really, really hard to play against. It took everything we have, and I’m really humbled by their performance tonight.”
The Bruin’s Solo Effort
Lauren Betts, UCLA’s star center, tried valiantly to stem the tide, muscling up 26 points on impressive 11-of-18 shooting. However, Betts’ heroic efforts were not enough to counteract the overall team disarray. “They really put on a show for all of us, which is really cool and I never experienced that before. But I feel like I knew how big of a deal this game was and I feel like I tried to show it for the most part,” said Betts after the game.
Reflections on a Season of Highs and Lows
UCLA’s coach, Close, reflected on the game with a mix of disappointment and forward-looking resolve. “We got exposed. We got out-toughed. We got our butts beat today,” Close admitted. “And it stings right now. And may the pain of that regret and this loss… if handled well, buy us a ticket to be better the next time hopefully we get this opportunity.”
This season had seen UCLA not only securing a record number of wins but also overcoming past postseason hurdles. Yet, their journey ended not with the fairy-tale finish many had hoped for, but with a stark lesson in the ruthlessness of top-tier collegiate basketball.
Moving Forward
As UCLA contemplates what might have been, Connecticut marches on, their eyes set firmly on the prize. With a blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy, the Huskies continue to prove why they remain perennial giants in the world of women’s college basketball.
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