UCLA Women Rally to Victory in Paris: A Thrilling Comeback Against Louisville

A Slow Start for UCLA The game began with Louisville taking an early lead, showcasing their offensive prowess and tactical execution. By the end of the first quarter, Louisville was ahead 18-13, capitalizing on UCLA's slow start. However, the Bruins quickly regrouped, demonstrating their ability to adapt and respond under pressure. Standout Performances Lauren Betts emerged as a dominant force on both ends of the court, scoring 18 points and recording four blocks. Her imposing presence was instrumental in containing Louisville's fast-paced attacks. Timea Gardiner and Londynn Jones also shone brightly, contributing 15 and 13 points, respectively, with Gardiner hitting crucial three-pointers that helped shift the momentum in UCLA's favor. The Three-Point Battle A significant factor in UCLA's victory was their efficiency from beyond the arc. While Louisville struggled with their shooting, hitting only 6 of 29 from three-point range, UCLA capitalized with a 35% success rate, converting 8 of 23 attempts. Gardiner was particularly impressive, making five three-pointers, while Jones excelled at the free-throw line, going a perfect 4 of 4. Key Moment: A Game-Changing Pass One of the pivotal moments in the game occurred just before halftime. With the clock winding down in the second quarter, Betts delivered a perfectly timed cross-court pass to Jones, who nailed a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded. This shot not only gave UCLA a 32-29 lead but also effectively halted Louisville's momentum and set the tone for the second half.