UCLA returns home after the South Point Thanksgiving Shootout to host UC Riverside.

The Bruins probably can’t be happier to be back home after a less than stellar performance in Las Vegas. UCLA played back-to-back games against Kansas State and Creighton the next day. They looked to rebound after a tough loss to #1 UConn last Tuesday.

When the Bruins faced Creighton, the game didn’t start off well for the Bruins. The Bluejays led 24-17 at the end of the first quarter and Creighton was shooting over 40% beyond the arc in the first quarter alone. It wasn’t until the end of the second that UCLA regained the lead. The Bruins rallied strong in the second half to pull off another win.

Back-to-back games are difficult, but that’s no excuse for UCLA to play the way they did. This pair of games is similar to last year’s Cancun Challenge where the Bruins didn’t look like a Top 10 team. They were probably still hungover from the UConn loss at home.

While the last three games were ones to forget, tonight against UC Riverside needs to be better, period. The only game the Highlanders have won this season was against Fresno State a week ago. Almost two weeks ago, they faced Stanford and lost by 10 points. The Highlanders were able to keep the Cardinal on their toes most of the game.

While most will say tonight won;t be a big test for UCLA, it is in a way. After the loss to UConn and the sloppy wins over the weekend, the Bruins have to play better tonight.
This is your UCLA Women’s Basketball vs UC Riverside open thread!


Go Bruins!