Preview: UCLA Hosts California Baptist in NCAA Tournament First Round

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The top-seeded and No. 1-ranked UCLA Bruins, riding a 20-game winning streak and boasting a nation-best 30-1 record, begin their national title quest Saturday against the seed California Baptist Lancers in the first round of the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament at Pauley Pavilion.

The Bruins, the tournament’s overall top seed, have dominated all season, with their lone loss coming in early December. They enter March Madness fresh off a historic 96-45 demolition of Iowa in their final regular-season game on March 8. UCLA’s attack is balanced and relentless, averaging 80.1 points per game while holding opponents to just 54.7.

Star guard Kiki Rice, a two-time All-American, orchestrates the Bruins’ offense. She is averaging 15.2 points and 6.8 assists, coming off a 15-point, 8-assist performance against Iowa. She is supported by a deep roster featuring Gabriela Jaquez and sharpshooter Gianna Kneepkens, who scored 19 points in the Iowa rout.

California Baptist (23-10), champion of the Western Athletic Conference, earned its third straight NCAA Tournament bid. The Lancers have won six consecutive games, including a 74-58 victory over Abilene Christian in the WAC tournament final on March 14.

The Lancers are led by dynamic guard Filipa Barros, who recorded a triple-double in the conference championship with 8 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Over her last seven games, Barros is averaging 17.3 points and 5.4 assists, including a 26-point outing at Abilene Christian on March 5. Lauren Olsen (17 points) and Emma Johansson (15 points) were also key in the title game.

This marks the first-ever meeting between the programs. The Lancers, 0-2 all-time in the NCAA tournament, face a monumental challenge against a UCLA team that has not lost at home this season (15-0). The Bruins have won their first-round games by an average of 38.5 points over the last two tournaments.

Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 4 p.m. PDT Saturday. The winner will advance to face the victor of the game between seed Florida State and seed TCU in the second round on Monday.