Three keys for UCLA as it faces South Carolina for an NCAA title
PHOENIX — Here are three keys to UCLA beating South Carolina and cutting down the nets on Sunday:
Establish an offensive rhythm
The Bruins struggled to score points in their Final Four game against Texas, scoring just 51 points and shooting 41% in a defensive battle. South Carolina looks to be another tough defensive matchup.
The Gamecocks held the previously 38-0 Connecticut Huskies to 48 points Friday, handing coach Geno Auriemma’s team its first loss of the season. Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year Raven Johnson held National Player of the Year Sarah Strong to 12 points on four-of-16 shooting. Standing just 5-foot-8, Johnson established herself as a defensive threat, guarding both forwards and guards. Strong, standing six inches taller than Johnson at 6-2, was held to her lowest point total of the NCAA tournament.
UCLA needs a better offensive performance than the one displayed Friday night if it wants to win its first NCAA championship.
Attack the glass and stay aggressive
Sunday will mark the third meeting between UCLA and South Carolina in the last five years.
The Bruins ended the Gamecocks’ 43-game winning streak on November 24, 2024 in a 77-62 victory at Pauley Pavilion.
South Carolina had beaten UCLA 73-64 two years earlier.
UCLA coach Cori Close reflected on their last two matchups Saturday.
“What I remember is that the team that rebounded the best and defended the best down the stretch won those two games,” Close said. “I’ve been on both sides. I don’t think it’ll probably be that different. I think it’ll be a possession game.
“That wasn’t the case against Texas. But that’s how good our defense was, because they still got 21 more shots on goal than us. I don’t think we’ll be able to do that against South Carolina. If they get that many more shots on goal because of rebounding or the turnover battle, I doubt we’ll be able to do it.
“In both situations, from what I remember, this was the team that was able to dictate their defense, get enough stops, win the rebounding battle and come out on top.”
Help Betts deliver elite play
Two-time All-American Lauren Betts will lace up her sneakers one last time for UCLA on Sunday. The Bruins need to help him deliver a signature final performance.
She had 35 points, nine rebounds and five assists on 15-of-19 shooting in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Oklahoma State.
She had 16 in a less notable performance against Texas on Friday, but her towering defense and ability to move as fluidly as a guard make her a headache for any opponent.
UCLA is at its best when the offense runs through Betts, but not just with low-post passes. When she sets screens on the perimeter and rolls to the basket or passes from various spots on the court, it overloads defenses and opens up powerful offensive options for the Bruins.
