UCLA’s Backcourt Might Be Liability Against Texas

With UCLA now entering the Final Four against Texas, it is time to look back at the position group that has made the journey harder than it should be.

Outside of Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalić, UCLA has not gotten much production from its backcourt. We have seen numbers across the board drop for the Bruins, making it much more difficult to win games. If the backcourt cannot turn things around soon, UCLA could be in trouble.

Mar 27, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Gianna Kneepkens (8) controls the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Sacramento Regional 2 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

It is almost a given that players will either increase or decrease their production during the postseason. However, for UCLA, this issue has been much more noticeable. For example, Betts is averaging seven more points per game than she did during the regular season, proving she has elevated her play when it matters most.

Mar 29, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Toby Fournier (35) defends against UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) during the second quarter in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Kneepkens Has Struggled

On the other side, Gianna Kneepkens has struggled immensely. She has dropped four points per game from the regular season and is now averaging 8.5 points in tournament play, while her once-elite shooting percentages have declined across the board.

Looking closer at Kneepkens’ drop in production, the difference becomes clear. During the regular season, she averaged 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 50.4% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range. That level of efficiency allowed UCLA to be extremely dynamic offensively.

However, since the postseason began, Kneepkens has averaged 8.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting just 38.9% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range. Because of her decline in shooting, UCLA has had to rely on scoring in the paint more often, making the Bruins’ offense far more one-dimensional.

Rice Needs To Pick It Up

A similar trend can be seen with Kiki Rice, although the concern is slightly less severe. During the regular season, Rice averaged 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 49.2% from the field. Her presence alone made UCLA look much more dangerous on paper.

Mar 29, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) drives to the basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the second quarter in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

In postseason play, however, Rice is averaging 14 points, five rebounds and three assists per game while shooting 38.5% from the field. It is clear she is taking on more volume, but her overall efficiency has dropped. That cannot continue moving forward.

Charlisse Leger-Walker has adapted well to her role as the team’s primary facilitator. During the regular season, she averaged 5.8 assists per game, and in the tournament, she is averaging seven assists. She has also improved her shooting efficiency, going from 46.8% in the regular season to 47.4% in tournament play.

clos — Mar 23, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close argues a foul call in the second half against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second round of the women’s NCAA tournament at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Overall, these statistical changes throughout the postseason are somewhat concerning. However, in March, numbers alone do not determine success — winning basketball does. Even so, these declines have forced UCLA to evolve offensively at a time of year when teams usually prefer stability, not adjustment.