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The last time the #25 UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team played the #6 Oregon Ducks, UCLA went into Eugene and defeated the Ducks on their home court by overcoming a 22-point deficit to knock off the then-#2 Ducks.
But UCLA didn’t play a game the day before they played Oregon two weeks ago either.
The big question heading into tonight’s game is: “Can the Bruins bounce back a day after four of the team’s starters each played more than 30 minutes?” The only starter who played less than 30 minutes in yesterday’s win over Arizona State was Michaela Onyenwere and that’s because she ran into foul trouble.
As a result, Cori Close’s strategy today may have to focus on getting the ball to a well-rested Onyenwere. But, that may not work.
In January at Pauley Pavilion, the Ducks held Onyenwere to just 13 points over 32 minutes. Two weeks ago, Onyenwere got into foul trouble and only played 17 minutes while scoring 12.
No matter how you cut it, it just seems like the Bruins have a tall task ahead of them this evening. Hopefully, the starters are well-conditioned enough to be able to bounce back from playing 32 to 39 minutes yesterday.
This is your UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon Ducks 2019 Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Semifinal open thread.
Go Bruins!