Before the start of Sunday's game, Coach Nikki Caldwell honored Doreena Campbell's 1000th career point milestone reached during last Thursday's double OT win over Notre Dame.

Bruins over Aggies 69-45

November 21, 2010
Looking to avoid a letdown after last week's thrilling double-overtime victory over 12th ranked Notre Dame, the 15th ranked Bruins mostly struggled with themselves (29 turnovers), but eventually won easily against the UC Davis Aggies. In just their fourth year of D-1 play, the Aggies are favored to win the Big West Conference and came in with an identical 3-0 record, including a win over Washington State.

The Aggies stayed close early and were within one point at 17-16 with eight minutes left in the first half. The Bruins turned up the defensive pressure and led 32-21 by halftime. The pressure continued early in the second half and with Jasmine Dixon (13 points) and Atonye Nyingifa (12 points, 7 boards) dominating the paint, the Bruins cruised on to win 65-49.

In her post game comments, Coach Nikki Caldwell noted the Bruins' win over Notre Dame, the 4-0 start and national ranking, but warned the Bruins are now a team with a target on their backs, which has rarely been the case in the past.

While happy with today's win, coach Caldwell knows the team needs to maintain focus.

Bruins coach Nikki Caldwell felt that her team wasn't as sharp as they needed to be for the full 40 minutes. The Bruins committed 29 turnovers themselves.

"We had spurts of us playing like we're supposed to," Caldwell said. "And then we had spurts that we didn't play as well. That's just us not maintaining our focus."

ICYMI, truebluebruin24 has a great game recap and photos. Video highlights after the jump.

First half highlights

Second half highlights

The Real CNC

Third-year coach Nikki Caldwell deserves much praise for the turnaround in the women's program. In her first year, the Bruins were 19-12 and nearly made the NCAA tournament. Last year coach Caldwell was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year. The Bruins made the tournament as a tough 8 seed, losing to No. 1 seed Nebraska in the second round, and finished the season at 25-9. This year the Bruins are 4-0 and ranked 15th.

Year to year improvement and progress, what a concept. Coach Nikki Caldwell has earned the initials CNC, not that other guy. She sure looks like a keeper to me.

Go Bruins!