The No. 10 UCLA Bruins extended their winning streak to 3-0 with a commanding 76-44 victory over the Arizona Wildcats on Thursday. Despite missing starting point guard Elina Aarnisalo, who is currently representing Finland, the defending national champions displayed elite defensive pressure that stifled the Wildcats throughout the contest. Freshman Somto Okafor stepped into the starting lineup in Aarnisalo’s absence, helping the Bruins maintain their composure while the defense forced critical turnovers and limited Arizona’s scoring opportunities.
Bruins stay perfect at 3-0 as new-look squad breaks away in second half
While the first half was a grind, UCLA’s offensive execution sharpened significantly after halftime, allowing them to pull away and secure a 32-point margin of victory. The result, though not the lopsided blowout fans have grown accustomed to in recent seasons, highlighted the resilience of this new-look roster. The Bruins managed to control the pace and exploit mismatches, proving they can win without their primary floor general while keeping their perfect season intact.
Timea Gardiner emerged as a standout performer, delivering a career-best performance with 16 points, multiple rebounds, and a crucial blocked shot. The senior forward went 2-for-5 from three-point range, showcasing a significantly improved shooting stroke compared to her previous career high of 11.6 points per game. Gardiner’s all-around impact underscores the Bruins’ depth and versatility, setting the stage for a deep run in the 2026-2027 season as they continue to build momentum.
Source: Yahoo Sports
