UCLA Women’s Basketball to Face Tennessee After Resilient Week
LOS ANGELES – UCLA will conclude a challenging week of basketball by hosting No. 14 Tennessee on Sunday at Pauley Pavilion.The Bruins (6-1) rebounded from their first loss of the season - an 88-79 defeat against Texas – with an impressive 93-63 victory over Duke on Wednesday, despite playing without starting center Lauren Betts.
UCLA’s early season schedule has been demanding, testing the team’s resilience and depth. Tennessee (5-1) presents another significant challenge as the Bruins near the end of their non-conference play.
Tennessee’s record stands at 5-1,with their sole loss coming against No. 9 NC State.The Volunteers reached the Sweet 16 of last year’s NCAA Tournament, falling to Texas 67-59. Talaysia Cooper leads Tennessee in scoring with 16.2 points per game, alongside 7.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
the game will feature a familiar face for UCLA fans, as Janiah Barker, who was a member of the Bruins’ Final Four team last season, now plays a key role for Tennessee. Barker is averaging 15.2 points per game, a significant increase from her 7.4 points per game average while coming off the bench for UCLA.
Tennessee boasts size in the frontcourt with Barker and forward Lazaria Spearman, both 6’4″, which coudl test UCLA after the Bruins were challenged physically in the first half against Texas.
UCLA’s frontcourt depth may be limited, as Timea Gardiner and Sienna Betts are still awaiting their season debuts. Head coach Cori Close stated on Thursday that Lauren Betts’ status for Sunday’s game remains undecided following her absence in the win over Duke.
Following Sunday’s contest, UCLA’s schedule eases up, with their next game against a ranked opponent not scheduled until January 3rd against USC.
