UCLA Women's Basketball: Bruins Remain Undefeated With Close Win Against Ohio State

Your UCLA Bruins women's basketball program has now won its 10th straight game to start the 2023-24 NCAA season.

The Bruins' unblemished record was burnished with a huge 77-71 road victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday night in Columbus. UCLA is ranked as the No. 2 team in the nation by the Associated Press, while OSU was ranked 13th at the time of their encounter.

In front of 6,800 fans, UCLA was propelled to victory by 19 points from redshirt senior guard Charisma Osborne. The 5'9" vet scored a team-high 19 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field but, more importantly, 8-of-10 shooting from the charity stripe. She also logged three boards, two dimes and two steals.

6'7" transfer sophomore center Lauren Betts notched 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting, 11 rebounds, and an absolutely insane five blocks. Sophomore guard Kiki Rice scored 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the floor and 3-of-4 shooting from the foul line, while sophomore bench forward Gabriela Jaquez was UCLA's other double digit scorer on the night, pouring in 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting, plus four boards and two assists.

OSU's offensive output came as a result of a concentrated effort from two main contributors, senior guard Jacy Sheldon (who had 30 points on 12-of-23 shooting from the field, including 3-of-6 from long range) and junior wing Taylor Thierry, who chipped in 20 points of her own on 6-of-9 shooting from the field and 6-of-8 shooting from the charity stripe.

UCLA out-rebounded OSU 40-30, outshot the Buckeyes 48.3%-38.5% overall, and practically doubled Ohio State's assist output 18-10. This was a big test for the Bruins, and they passed with flying colors after a slightly bumpy start (OSU got out to a 7-0 lead in the opening half).