The UCLA Women’s Basketball team returns to action in the first round of the NCAA Tournament when they face Boise State at home in the Pauley Pavilion.

UCLA comes off a much needed two-week break. After Oregon State knocked them out of the Pac-12 Tournament, the Bruins had some regrouping to do. They were unimpressive, to say the least. Now, they have a chance to redeem themselves against Boise State.

Boise State cannot be taken lightly. They are on a 10-game winning streak and are the Mountain West Conference tournament champions. When it comes to free throws, the Broncos have the Bruins edged out. They shoot at 72.9% while the Bruins shoot at 71.9%. Now, that is not a bad statistic to worry about, but it can turn into a big problem. It’s no secret that the Bruins tend to get into foul trouble. They need to minimize sending any of the Broncos to the stripe.

One of the biggest advantages UCLA has on Boise State is experience. This year marks the fourth year Boise State has made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The past three years were in 1994, 2007, and 2015. Back in 1994, and 1993, Boise State defeated UCLA. Today’s game will be the third meeting between these two teams. In their past three tournament appearances, Boise State has failed to get past the first round. UCLA has more experience in the tournament making it as far as the Sweet Sixteen last year. UCLA also has home-court advantage where the Bruins have won 27 consecutive games at home. There’s definitely some magic in Pauley.

#4 UCLA Women’s Basketball (23-8)

Opponent: Boise State Broncos(25-7)

When: Saturday, March 18, 2017, 3:30 pm PT

Where: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA

TV: ESPN2 with Sam Gore and Julianne Viani

Live Stream: WatchESPN.com and the ESPN app

Audio: uclabruins.com


GO BRUINS!!!