Mon. Nov 18th, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

Londynn Jones scored 19 points and No. 2 UCLA thoroughly dominated Cal State Northridge in a 111-48 victory Thursday night.

The Bruins (7-0) had six players in double figures. Gabriela Jaquez had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Lauren Betts added 18 points. Kiki Rice had her first career triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, coming up just three steals short of a quadruple-double.

Only one of UCLA’s 10 players failed to score as the Bruins topped 100 points for the second time this season.

The Bruins took control from the opening tip and didn’t let up. They led 56-19 at halftime after going up by 43 points.

The Matadors rarely got a second look at the basket with the Bruins ripping the ball out of their hands while owning a 54-18 rebounding advantage, including a 36-16 edge on the defensive glass.

UCLA forced 24 turnovers that led to 44 points and outscored Northridge 64-2 in the paint.

Northridge was held to five points in the first quarter and 12 in the fourth.

UCLA’s largest lead was 87-36 at the end of the third. The Matadors’ biggest offensive run was six consecutive points in the period.

The Matadors (2-5) were led by freshman Amiyah Ferguson with 21 points, including six three-pointers. They dropped their fifth in a row. Northridge fell to 1-12 in the all-time series.

Big picture

Cal State Northridge: The Matadors haven’t won in nearly a month and they’ve got little time to get things turned around before Big West play begins Dec. 28. Ferguson has been an early bright spot with her scoring and assists.

UCLA: Except for edging Princeton by three points, all of the Bruins’ five home wins have been blowouts. Now they’ve got two games a week apart in which they’ll travel to Connecticut and Ohio before one more nonconference home game. Then comes a big test at home against crosstown rival and sixth-ranked USC, which boasts high-scoring freshman JuJu Watkins.

Up next for Cal State Northridge: hosts San Diego on Sunday to open a five-game homestand.

Up next for UCLA: Plays No. 20 Florida State on Sunday at the Hall of Fame Showcase in Uncasville, Conn.

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