UCLA headed back to Final Four after comeback against Duke
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- UCLA women's basketball, led by coach Cori Close, advanced to the Final Four for the second consecutive year after defeating Duke 70-58 in the Sacramento 2 Region final.
- Despite a shaky first half with multiple turnovers and shot-clock violations, UCLA made key halftime adjustments, particularly involving ballhandlers Kiki Rice and Charlisse Leger-Walker, to dominate the second half.
- Center Lauren Betts led the Bruins with 23 points, including 15 in the second half, while forward Angela Dugalic contributed 15 points and earned All-Regional honors.
- UCLA outscored Duke 54-32 in the paint and outrebounded them 38-26, overcoming 18 turnovers to secure the win.
- Coach Close emphasized learning from the first half mistakes to prepare for the Final Four, where UCLA will face the winner of Texas vs. Michigan, with the ultimate goal of winning a national championship.
