UCLA Women's Basketball Destroys Purdue Behind Strong Effort From Transfer Lauren Betts
Heading into this year, many thought this would be Cori Close's best team in Westwood.
Taking the UCLA head coaching job over in 2011, Close has been widely viewed as one of the nation's best recruiters. From a results standpoint, she's led the Bruins to seven NCAA Tournament appearances. While UCLA has made four Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite Eight appearance under her guidance, the Bruins haven't yet gotten over the proverbial hump in terms of making the Final Four.
Based upon Monday's season-opening effort versus Purdue, the elusive Final Four achievement appears to be quite attainable this year.
Behind two 20-point efforts from Lauren Betts and Londynn Jones, the Bruins obliterated future Big Ten conference opponent Purdue by a score of 92-49.
Ranked No. 4 nationally to start the year, the Bruins demonstrated why many believe this group will be a threat to win a National Title. Close has built an exceptionally deep roster -- buoyed by both homegrown players and transfers.
A main takeaway from the game was the play of Betts. A 6'7" transfer from Stanford, Betts was a year removed from entering the sport as the No. 1 recruit in the country for her class. The agile center went 9-of-11 from the field en route to her 20-point outing. She also accrued seven rebounds and two blocks in only 20 minutes of play.
The backcourt was always a major strength for this team heading into the year. Charisma Osborne spurned the WNBA in favor of returning to school. The projected first-round pick scored 11 points and dished seven assists. Not to be outdone, Jones dropped 20 points -- 18 of which came from threes (6-of-11 from behind the three-point line).
Not to be outdone, uber-talented sophomore guard Kiki Rice notched a double-double (10 points and 10 assists). She also had three steals and four rebounds in the process.
The one area of concern for this team historically was a lack of size. Going up against some of the heavyweights in the sport, UCLA has been hindered by not having enough quality depth up front.
Credit close for addressing those needs. Aside from the aforementioned Betts, UCLA also starts Serbian National Team member/Oregon transfer Angela Dugalic (6'4") at the forward spot (she had 13 points in the victory).
Additionally, German National Team member Emily Bessoir (6'4"), Australian post Izzy Anstey (6'4"), and McDonald's All-American Amanda Muse (6'4") all provide key depth for the Lady Bruins.
Furthering the depth, UCLA also has the luxury of playing rising sophomore forward Gabriela Jaquez (yes, the sister of current NBA player Jaime Jaquez Jr.), and veteran guard Camryn Brown.
Without a doubt, this is one of the deepest, and ultimately most talented rosters in the country. Health permitting, this team should be in the thick of things from a national perspective when March rolls around.
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