SEATTLE — The #9th ranked UCLA Bruins (16-3, 5-2 Pac-12) came back from a halftime deficit and seized control in the second half to defeat the (10-7, 2-5 Pac-12) Washington Huskies, 51-47.
On paper, it was a close battle as the Huskies won the rebound battle 46-37; UCLA won the steals category six steals to four by UW; and UCLA also won the turnover category with 11 compared to 16 by the Huskies.
However, no Husky scored double-digit points (Jayda Noble led the Dawgs with nine points); as UW’s offensive struggles ultimately cost them the game.
No Offense, An Atrocious First Quarter
There was very little offense in the first quarter, as a very ugly brand of basketball was played by both teams.
UCLA shot 12.5% from the field overall and 0.0% from the three-point line.
Likewise, UW shot 26.7 % from the field overall and 0.0% from the free throw line.
The Huskies and Bruins shot a combined 6-for-31 from the field overall.
At the end of the first period, the Huskies led 10-5.
Darcy Rees Makes a Big Impact Off the Bench
In the second period, Washington was sparked by 6’4″ senior Darcy Rees coming off the bench to score six points (3-for-4); as the Huskies outscored UCLA 17 to 13.
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📺 Pac-12 Los Angeles
📲 https://t.co/d0UlwdrHv1 pic.twitter.com/ziDkIdodvj— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 21, 2023
Darcy Rees gettin' us HYPED!#GoHuskies x #Becoming pic.twitter.com/gafnTMQFuz
— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 21, 2023
A Haley Van Dyke layup put the Huskies up by twelve points, 27-15, with four seconds remaining in the half.
However, UCLA senior guardCharisma Osborne hit a long distance three from halfcourt to cut UW’s lead to nine points, 27-18.
The Huskies led the Bruins the entire first half, but the last-second “hail mary” shot by Osborne would prove to be prophetic of what was to come.
UCLA’s Third Quarter Offensive Surge, Huskies Misfire
To start the third period, the Washington Huskies quickly lost their nine-point lead by missing their first 11 shots of the quarter.
Meanwhile, UCLA went on a 16-0 scoring run, as they ultimately outscored the Huskies in the third quarter, 22 – 8.
The Bruins seemed determined to get the ball to their big 6’3″ freshman Lina Sontag, who scored seven points early in the quarter.
Washington failed to score until there was only three minutes left in the third period.
The third quarter ended with UCLA holding a five-point lead, 40 – 35.
Messy Fourth, Missed Opportunity
The fourth quarter saw both teams return to the “ugly ball” that started the game.
In the final period, UW shot 23.1% overall (3 for 13) and UCLA shot 27.5% (3 for 11) overall.
UCLA built a 10-point lead early in the fourth quarter but the Dawgs responded with an 8-0 scoring run
Despite outscoring UCLA, 12 to 11, in the final period, the Huskies could not seize the victory.
The Huskies committed eight fouls in the final period (albeit, some were questionable calls against Dalayah Daniels) but UCLA committed eight fouls, also.
However, Washington’s offense sputtered to a halt as they committed four turnovers in the final five minutes of the game; and seemingly could not make a clutch basket down the stretch — UW shot 1-for-6 in the final five minutes of the game.
Furthermore, in the final 10 seconds of the game, the Huskies missed two of four free throw attempts; as well as, a three-pointer.
As a result, UCLA was able to hold on for the 51-47 victory over the Dawgs.
UW Huskies Players of the Game
Darcy Rees sparked the Huskies with eight points, two rebounds and two assists in 11 minutes off the bench.
Likewise, Jayda Noble sparked the Huskies with a team-leading nine points, along with five rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes.
Great cut from Noble, and Rees finds her!
📺 Pac-12 Los Angeles
📲 https://t.co/d0UlwdrHv1 pic.twitter.com/LkWS0QYolj— Washington Women’s Basketball (@UW_WBB) January 21, 2023
Frankly, on a day when the Washington struggled mightily, the game would not have been as close without the efforts of Noble and Rees.
NEXT UP
The Washington Huskies host USC on Sunday, January 22nd at 12pm.