With Selection Sunday just a few hours away, it’s time for us to determine which top teams in the women’s Division I will make the strongest of cases to have the most success in the next few weeks. As we have 32 conference champions on the field, there are still some contenders left in the bubble. Without a doubt, UCLA make a worthy inclusion in the discussion.

After their feisty OT battle with USC in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals, UCLA has shown that they have the ability to stand toe-to-toe with a tough opponent. However, continuing on this road would mean upscaling their game further. Nevertheless, the Pac-12 semifinalists of the year look tough for the road.

UCLA’s performance so far

Bruins have given some spectacle views to their fans this season. Comparing them to their co-semifinalist and Pac-12 winners USC Trojans, there is not much of a difference. In their 3 encounters with USC, they may have won just once, but their margin of defeat was not very large. At the same time, they have also shown that they won’t mind taking down big names like UConn and Colorado whenever they get a chance.

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Bruins have also stacked up pretty impressive numbers as well so far. With an overall scoring average of 77.7 points per game, they have offensively placed themselves 21st in the nation. A field goal percentage of 44.97 is putting them 35TH. They have a better standing defensively as they occupy the 10th spot by grabbing 43.48 rebounds per contest. Also, by getting 147 blocks at the rate of 4.7, places them 24th.

While Bruins can function spectacularly as a unit, they do have certain individuals who can stand out when the situation demands.

Big guns for the big occasion

It is no hunch that UCLA was ranked second by the end of their regular season. The versatility and depth that Cori Close’s crew possesses is commendable. An example of that is their top performer Lauren Betts who takes charge of their offensive as well as defensive responsibilities. In just 27 games, she has been able to score a total of 398 points by clocking an average of 14.7 points per contest. Also, a field goal percentage of 65.3 is the 4th best in the country overall. She also holds her defensive end quite well by grabbing 9 rebounds in every game.

Providing her with valuable assistance is the trio of Charisma Osborne, Kiki Rice, and Londynn Jones. Currently, Osborne has scored the most number of points for UCLA along with having the second-best average of 14.4. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Rice is the best distributor in the team dishing out 4.6 assists per contest. At the same time, her 5′ 4″ sophomore partner Jones is their top choice to shoot from beyond the arc.

Undeniably, their roster is strong both physically and mentally. But what do the Bruins fans have to be excited about going into the March Madness event?

UCLA in the Big Dance

Unlike their previous season, Bruins have the potential to go beyond the Sweet Sixteen phase. The vigor and ferocity that they have shown in the pre-conference games against teams like Ohio State Buckeyes and UConn Huskies is something that their opponents need to watch out for in March Madness. Also, their gritty mentality to not give up till the final buzzer will always keep their opponents in a state of suspense.

March Madness is filled with amusing results that usually include Cinderella stories. However, a good team like Bruins does not even need to be a part of that. With some added motivation from the fans and inspiration from the Big Dance classics, UCLA may go far ahead in the competition. Will they win the tournament? Probably. With luck on their side, some active performance, and the right head, they will be able to get over the heavyweights of the championship.

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