LA Sports Hub
Fansided

UCLA: Women’s basketball falls to UConn in the Sweet 16

By Mary Coyne

Mar 25, 2017; Bridgeport, CT, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Jordin Canada (3) drives the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard Gabby Williams (15) during the second half in the semifinals of the Bridgeport Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena. UConn defeated UCLA 86-71. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Bridgeport, CT, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Jordin Canada (3) drives the ball against Connecticut Huskies guard Gabby Williams (15) during the second half in the semifinals of the Bridgeport Regional of the women's 2017 NCAA Tournament at Webster Bank Arena. UConn defeated UCLA 86-71. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Jordin Canada had 20 points for UCLA but it wasn’t enough as the undefeated, four-time defending champions UConn Huskies took down the Bruins, 86-71, Saturday afternoon in the Bridgeport, Ct regional.

The UCLA Bruins got off to a quick start in this Sweet 16 matchup taking a 9-2 lead to start the game. They stayed aggressive while the Huskies struggled on both ends of the court going only 1-for-8 early on.

But a quick offense and a steady rebounding effort pushed UConn on a run which saw them score 17 of the next 19 points. The Huskies led by 9 after the first quarter and 17 at the half.

In the second half, the Bruins quickly fell back 19 points but were able to score 7 straight late in the third to bring it within 12. The Huskies responded with an 11-4 run which pretty much put the game away.

Along with Cordin’s 20 points, UCLA’s Monique Billings had 17 and 16 rebounds, with Kari Korver adding 5 three-pointers for 15 total. The Bruins can be satisfied knowing they played hard the entire game and never allowed the Huskies to break it wide open as they are accustomed to doing.

Napheesa Collier leads UConn with 27 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Gabby Williams had 17 points while Saniya Chong added 16.

The Huskies move on to the Elite Eight where they will take on No. 10 Oregon who upset No. 3 Maryland earlier in the day. They are the clear favorites to win it all – their 12th title that would cap yet another unbelievable season.

For the Bruins, this was the first time in program history where they reached the Sweet 16 in consecutive seasons. Their best NCAA Tournament finish was a trip to the regional final in 1999.  They now are 0-4 all-time against UConn who they will play again next year in Los Angeles.

Next: Dodgers Rumors: Three predictions for the 2017 season

With the victory, UConn Coach Geno Auriemma ties the legendary Pat Summitt for most NCAA Tournament wins in history at 112.

Home/UCLA