The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team, ranked No. 2 nationally, secured an 88-65 win over No. 8 Iowa on Sunday at home. The victory brings the Bruins’ season record to 21-1 overall and 11-0 in Big Ten Conference play.
Graduate forward Angela Dugalić led all scorers with a career-high-tying 22 points, shooting 9-of-13 from the field and making three of four attempts from beyond the arc. She also recorded a personal best with five steals during the game.
UCLA posted a shooting percentage of 57.8 percent, made half of its three-point shots (6-for-12), and converted all eight free throw attempts. The Bruins dominated inside, scoring 56 points in the paint compared to Iowa’s 26, and assisted on 29 out of their 37 made baskets.
Five UCLA players scored in double figures: Dugalić (22), Kiki Rice (17), Lauren Betts (16), Gianna Kneepkens (10), and Charlisse Leger-Walker (10).
Kiki Rice contributed seven assists in the win and surpassed the milestone of 100 assists for her fourth consecutive season. This achievement places her among only five players in UCLA history to have four seasons with at least 100 assists, joining Ann Meyers, Erica Gomez, Nikki Blue, and Jordin Canada.
The game began with early scoring contributions from Leger-Walker and Betts. Defensive plays by Leger-Walker and Sienna Betts helped maintain momentum for UCLA throughout the first quarter, which ended with a four-point lead for the Bruins.
In the second quarter, consistent offense from Leger-Walker and Rice extended UCLA’s advantage. Key plays included Dugalić converting after being fouled and Kneepkens assisting on scores near halftime as UCLA entered the break leading by eleven points.
After halftime, Rice continued her strong performance with quick drives to the basket while Lauren Betts was active inside. The third quarter saw Dugalić add several more baskets as UCLA built a substantial lead heading into the final period.
During the fourth quarter, Gabriela Jaquez added key points while Rice connected on a three-pointer following an inbound play. Kneepkens contributed both from distance and inside before Dugalić matched her career high with another three-pointer late in the game.
UCLA finished with a decisive margin over Iowa in this top-ten matchup.
Next up for UCLA is a home game against Rutgers on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. The contest will be broadcast on B1G+ beginning at 7 p.m. PT.
