Cori Close’s team achieved a remarkable 53-point win in their first NCAA Tournament game.
You might have missed it later when Close spoke about the game, focusing on a sluggish start and the team’s issues with executing scouting reports.
Two days later, the squad began strong and tackled a tough second half to secure a victory.
The postgame discussion included lapses in defense and tight situations on the court.
This continuous effort reflects Close’s ambition to have her team performing at their peak to clinch the program’s first NCAA Championship.
Close emphasizes that she doesn’t expect perfection. “We just want continuous improvement,” she said, aiming for everyone to bring their best selves to the game.
“Each game provides new learning opportunities and challenges,” Close noted recently.
This ongoing development adds a fresh dynamic to what is already a formidable team, making the top-seeded Bruins difficult to contain—much like Lauren Betts’ spinning moves or Gianna Kneepkens’ long-range shots.
Early in the game against Oklahoma State, which took place at Pauley Pavilion, UCLA looked unstoppable. They quickly scored nine points and established a double-digit lead early in the second round.
Even with an 87-68 win over the No. 8 seed Cowgirls, Close was critical of her team for not extending their lead to 20 points at halftime.
There were several positives to take from the game for a coach who cherishes this journey.
Close became emotional discussing the progress and bonds formed within the senior class, and how this has resonated with the supportive community. After their last home game, fans lingered to say goodbye to players like Betts, Kneepkens, and others.
“I felt emotional for them,” Close explained. “It highlights their hard work. Just having a vision is meaningless without these courageous young women who take bold steps. We’re experiencing extraordinary outcomes, and it’s truly fulfilling.”
Looking ahead, there’s a big challenge with a Sweet 16 game against No. 4 seed Minnesota coming up on Friday.
This is why Close is concentrating on areas for improvement, especially after leading the program to a record-setting 27-game win streak.
One significant concern for her is the Bruins’ inconsistency in defense against Oklahoma State.
“We struggled to make adjustments to their plays,” Close pointed out.
Another issue involved the team getting bogged down by missed calls and miscommunication, which disrupted their flow.
“It affects performance,” she said. “They can be incredibly fast, but suddenly they lose cohesiveness and it leads to turnovers or runs by the opponent.”
Close reminded her team that they need to approach NCAA Tournament games with the same mindset as any regular game—to move on quickly and improve.
“I doubt I’ll ever tire of learning from each game and striving to do better,” Close said. “It’s clear that our next-play speed wasn’t as sharp this time. We need to tackle that.”
There’s also the pressure that comes from being recognized as possibly the best UCLA team in history.
Close admitted some of this pressure led her players to tense up in the second half.
“I felt like I shifted my approach, trying not to make mistakes,” she reflected. “It’s crucial to have a defined perspective on this experience.”
To promote resilience among players, Close and her staff are incorporating visualization techniques and mental conditioning during this critical phase.
“When the game becomes tight, that’s when these strategies really matter,” Betts said regarding their weekly mental preparation.
“What sets this team apart is our maturity and the ability to focus on our roles. Basketball is full of momentum shifts, but we need to maintain our focus on what we can control.”
The coach has high hopes and the Bruins seem on the verge of making history.
