In what is setting up to be one of the best matchups of the week, we have No. 4 Texas taking on No. 3 UCLA as part of the Players Era Championship at 2:30 p.m. ET at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas,
NV (truTV).
Both the Longhorns and Bruins are undefeated, so on team will walk away from this contest with their undefeated season ruined. Here’s how both sides can pass their top-five test and maintain their quest for a perfect season:
How UCLA can win
The Bruins are led by Lauren Betts and her 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Her numbers are a bit down from last year, but it’s also still very early.
That dip in production certainly hasn’t been felt on the scoreboard UCLA has dominated in their six wins. They have yet to have a game decided by single digits. If Betts gets going early, it could be a long night in Vegas for Texas.
The UCLA backcourt features a quartet of Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker. Three of them are also scoring in double digits, with Leger-Walker coming in at just under 10 points per game. She’s been taking care of business distributing the ball, though, averaging a team-high six assists per game.
Besides getting going offensively, another key for UCLA will be to dominate the glass. They’ve been averaging 47 boards a night compared to Texas’ 40 per game. If they can remain the better rebounding team, that’ll likely put them in position for a win.
How Texas can win
The best strategy for the Longhorns is to lean into their offense. They are currently averaging 102.8 points per game, which is the second-most in Division 1. Madison Booker has been a big reason Texas has been scoring so much. She’s leading the team, averaging 17 points per game.
The backcourt duo of Jordan Lee and Aaliyah Crump combine for 27.8 points per game. If they can push the pace and dictate the terms of engagement, they can control the game and potentially run UCLA out of the gym.
Texas, however, will face some defensive problems. It’s hard to see who they have that can defend Betts in the paint. The strategy will likely be to do all the work early, fronting her and denying the ball as much as possible. If she gets to her spots, they will be toast.
While one doesn’t want to make too many huge takeaways from this contest, it is a big one. It’ll be a good measuring stick game for each side.
