UCLA’s women’s basketball team, ranked third nationally, secured a decisive 34-point victory over Northwestern at Welsh Ryan Arena on Sunday. The Bruins now hold a 19-1 overall record and remain undefeated in Big Ten Conference play with a 9-0 mark.
Seniors Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice led the effort for UCLA. Jaquez scored 19 points on efficient shooting and collected three steals. Rice recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, also contributing eight assists.
The Bruins dominated inside, outscoring Northwestern in the paint by a margin of 48-12. They also excelled in transition play, holding a 31-10 advantage on fast breaks.
Lauren Betts added 16 points, while graduate student Gianna Kneepkens contributed 12 points. Graduate forward Angela Dugalić had five points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in her return to Illinois.
Kneepkens started the game with a three-pointer, followed by contributions from Betts and Jaquez that helped UCLA build an early lead. Rice and Dugalić hit back-to-back three-pointers to extend the advantage in the first quarter.
Jaquez maintained perfect shooting through the first ten minutes and continued her streak into the second quarter. Rice completed a three-point play after drawing contact on a layup.
Sienna Betts set up Lena Bilić for a three-pointer before assisting further offensive plays. Kneepkens added points from mid-range and at the free throw line, improving her season total to 22-for-23 from the stripe.
UCLA closed out the second quarter with an 11-0 run to lead by 24 at halftime. The Bruins extended their lead early in the third quarter with fastbreak baskets from Betts, Kneepkens, Jaquez, and Charlisse Leger-Walker.
In the fourth quarter, Lauren Betts continued scoring efficiently inside with help from Rice’s passing. Sienna Betts finished with six points along with six rebounds and four assists in under eighteen minutes of play.
UCLA will next face Illinois on Wednesday, January 28th in Urbana-Champaign. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on B1G+.
