UCLA

UCLA Women’s Basketball Starts Season 3-0 with Dominant Win, Coach Close Demands More

The No. 4-ranked UCLA Bruins women's basketball team secures a convincing 113-64 victory over Bellarmine, but Coach Cori Close emphasizes the need for improvement.

The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team, ranked No. 4 in the nation, has started the season with a perfect 3-0 record, showcasing their dominance in a 113-64 victory over Bellarmine. Gabriela Jaquez, Lauren Betts, and Charisma Osborne led the charge, but Head Coach Cori Close is demanding even more from her talented squad.

Key Takeaways:

The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team has set the college basketball world abuzz with their exceptional start to the 2023-24 season. In their latest triumph, they decimated Bellarmine with a jaw-dropping 113-64 victory, showcasing their immense talent and potential.

Leading the charge was Gabriela Jaquez, who delivered a career-high performance with 30 points and 12 rebounds, earning herself a well-deserved double-double. Lauren Betts, a transfer from Stanford, continued to make her presence felt with an impressive 22 points and 11 rebounds. Charisma Osborne, an incumbent guard, also made significant contributions with 24 points and 10 boards.

“We have unlimited ceiling,” Close said. “The gap between our potential and our habits keeps closing. We obviously have a lot of talent but let’s get tighter.”

Despite this dominant showing, Head Coach Cori Close isn’t resting on her laurels. She expressed her frustration with the team’s performance on the defensive end, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement. Close’s commitment to excellence is a driving force behind the Bruins’ success, and she believes there is still room for growth, even after a 49-point blowout.

“Our defense, we have a ways to go,” Close continued. “We have got to be able to be more consistent… I just believe so much in what they can become but right now our consistency, our habits, have something to be desired.”

The Bruins’ strong start to the season is undoubtedly promising, and their potential is undeniable. However, Coach Close’s insistence on maintaining high standards highlights the team’s dedication to achieving greatness. As the season unfolds, fans can expect the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball program to continue striving for excellence on their journey to NCAA success.

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Gary Lee

Gary Lee, a mainstay at LA Sports Report, is not just a sports writer; he's a veritable institution in the realm of sports journalism. With an extensive and illustrious career that boasts stints with notable platforms like Sports Illustrated, Gary has consistently showcased an uncanny knack for capturing the essence of the game, regardless of the sport. His prowess isn't limited to the written word alone; Gary's vast experience extends to creating and curating sports websites, providing fans with in-depth analysis, up-to-date news, and captivating stories. For readers keen on insights into the Clippers, Dodgers, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Lakers, Rams, UCLA, and USC, Gary is your go-to guy.
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