Cori Close always focuses on growth and development.
On Wednesday night, in a 40-point blowout, much of that was bestowed on her reserves.
With the No. 2 UCLA women’s basketball team pulverizing Rutgers, it was a chance for the bench players to log more minutes than usual.
The Bruins had three reserves on the court midway through the first quarter and continued to cycle through their bench during an 86-46 victory at Pauley Pavilion.
Those who impressed included freshman forward Sienna Betts, who continued to flash an array of power moves around the basket. Her 11 points matched big sister Lauren’s total, the first time that’s happened at the college level.
“I really trust her as a learner, and you can coach her really hard,” Close said of a player whose season debut was delayed until December because of a leg injury. “That puts her in situations that she can grow faster.”
Sienna added some levity when she raised her arms in triumph after one of her free throws bounced around the rim before falling through the net.
Top reserve Angela Dugalic was solid as usual with eight points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block for the Bruins (22-1 overall, 12-0 Big Ten). Guard-forward Lena Bilic sank two 3-pointers and fan favorite Megan Grant prompted cheers when she entered in the final minutes and provided her usual relentless effort.
Close said part of her heavy reliance on reserves was because of load management. Leading by as many as 43 points made this feel like a breather for everyone.
What does it mean?
Probably not a lot given the massive mismatch.
As usual, Close had her nitpicks about a team chasing something much more meaningful than a win in early February. She said she challenged her players to find more consistency against overmatched teams.
“Regardless of the team, regardless of their record, we need to come out with intensity and treat each moment the same,” said point guard Kiki Rice, who scored 17 points to lead four starters in double figures.
Turning point
When the game was scheduled. It’s not much of an exaggeration.
Rutgers (9-14, 1-11) hasn’t had a winning record since the 2021-22 season, making the game’s outcome feel like something of a foregone conclusion.
After a sloppy opening stretch, UCLA surged into a 26-6 lead by the end of the first quarter and kept adding to its advantage.
MVP: Charlisse Leger-Walker
Setting a tone with three steals in the first quarter, Charlisse Leger-Walker sparked the runaway.
The UCLA guard was an all-around force with 11 points, seven assists, five steals and two rebounds to go with four turnovers in 25 minutes.
Up next
Things take a significantly more difficult turn for the Bruins as they hit the road for games against No. 8 Michigan on Sunday and No. 12 Michigan State on Feb. 11. If the Bruins can sweep the trip, they will be in great position to finish with an unbeaten Big Ten record.
