Five Major Moments from UCLA vs. Indiana
This afternoon, the Indiana Hoosiers hosted the top-ranked UCLA Bruins at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, with over ten thousand enthusiastic fans in attendance. This was a historic occasion, as it marked the first time in over two decades that Indiana hosted a number-one team. Their last meeting was in December 2019, when the Bruins emerged victorious with a ten-point lead. The Hoosiers, riding an impressive 14-0 streak, faced a critical challenge against the Big Ten Conference's leading team. Despite the rousing support from the crowd, it wasn't enough to prevent Indiana from experiencing their fourth defeat. Standout performances by Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice propelled the Bruins to another victory. Pivotal moments can alter the course of any game. Here is an in-depth look at five significant moments that defined this thrilling and historic matchup.
Seeing Blue
During the first quarter, Angelina Dugalic executed a steal from Sydney Parrish, quickly regaining possession for the Bruins right after a jumper from Londynn Jones. Dugalic's response ensured the Bruins maintained their momentum and the ball found its way to Janiah Barker. She confidently stepped back beyond the arc and successfully made UCLA's first three-pointer of the game. This early exchange set the tone for a fierce competition, with both teams demonstrating relentless and fearless defense throughout the match.
Dodging The Double
Following three successful free throws by UCLA's Timea Gardiner, the ball was returned to the Hoosiers. Sydney Parrish skillfully drove the ball into the paint and made an expert pass to Lilly Meister. Despite facing a double team from Lauren Betts and Elina Aarnisalo, Meister successfully caught Parrish's overhead pass. Demonstrating her skill, the six-foot-three forward executed a layup, adding essential points for the Hoosiers. This play showcased the Hoosiers' ability to break through UCLA's defense under pressure and highlighted their determination to stay in the game.
Buzzer Beater
In the final moments of the first half, Yarden Garzon attempted a decisive three-pointer, but the shot fell short. Fortunately, Julianna LaMendola was perfectly positioned to grab the rebound. With quick reflexes, she passed the ball to Karoline Striplin, who delivered a smooth jumper just before the buzzer sounded. This critical play cut UCLA's lead down to 12 points. The energy shift was palpable as both teams headed into the halftime break, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
Full-Court Drive
Early in the third quarter, Shay Ciezki seized the ball with a rebound and swiftly navigated coast to coast. She faced off against Elina Aarnisalo in a challenging duel. Despite being the second shortest player on the court, Ciezki maneuvered to score for UCLA. Aarnisalo fouled her in the paint, granting Ciezki an and-1 opportunity. This moment was one of many that electrified the crowd and heightened the stakes of the matchup.
Steal For A Steal
Coming back from the halftime break, Indiana Hoosier Chloe Moore-McNeil snatched the ball from Kiki Rice. Undeterred, Rice promptly retaliated by stealing it back, followed by an impressive three-pointer assisted by Lauren Betts. Not to be outdone, McNeil responded with a jumper, showcasing the intense back-and-forth play between the teams during this period of the game. This sequence epitomized the fierce competition and resilience both sides displayed, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The clash between UCLA and Indiana was intense from beginning to end. Despite the Hoosiers' strong efforts, they couldn't overcome the nation's top-ranked team. From Lilly Meister's composure under pressure to Shay Ciezki’s sprint down the court and Karoline Striplin’s buzzer-beater, the game was packed with thrilling moments that kept everyone on edge. The back-and-forth action made this matchup memorable. UCLA will now head into their next game against Purdue on Tuesday with a flawless 15-0 record. Meanwhile, Indiana will hit the road and travel to Illinois to face the Northwestern Wildcats.
