They say “third time’s a charm,” but for Cori Close and UCLA, they are experiencing it in their very second season in the Big Ten conference. With a convincing 80-46 win against Northwestern on Sunday, the Bruins now stand at 19-1 and 9-0 at the top of their conference table. Amid their unbeaten conference run, Close and her team have caught the attention of rival coaches, with one even admitting the quiet part out loud about UCLA’s dominance in the Big Ten.
Close, who took over as head coach of the Bruins in 2011, has been steadily building a strong program at UCLA. In her first season in the Big Ten, the Bruins finished with a respectable 12-6 record and made it to the quarterfinals of the conference tournament. But this season, they have taken their game to a whole new level, and it’s clear that Close has instilled a winning mentality in her players.
The Bruins’ success this season can be attributed to their strong team chemistry and the leadership of their star players. Senior guard Japreece Dean has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 14.5 points and 4.5 assists per game. She has been a consistent performer for the Bruins and has been instrumental in their unbeaten conference run. Along with Dean, junior forward Michaela Onyenwere has also been a key contributor, averaging 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Onyenwere’s dominant presence in the paint has been a nightmare for opposing teams.
But it’s not just the star players who have been making an impact for UCLA. Close has built a deep and talented roster, with players like Charisma Osborne, Lauryn Miller, and Natalie Chou stepping up when needed. This depth has been crucial in their success, as it allows Close to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout the game.
One of the most impressive aspects of UCLA’s unbeaten conference run has been their dominant defense. The Bruins have held their opponents to an average of just 55.2 points per game, the lowest in the Big Ten. This is a testament to Close’s coaching and the hard work put in by the players on the defensive end. They have been able to shut down some of the top offenses in the conference, including Oregon and Stanford.
But it’s not just their on-court performance that has caught the attention of rival coaches. After their win against Northwestern, Wildcats head coach Joe McKeown had high praise for Close and her team. He said, “They’re really good. They’re really, really good. They’re the best team in the league, and they’re going to be a tough out in the NCAA Tournament.” McKeown’s words speak volumes about the respect and admiration that Close and her team have earned from their opponents.
Close has also been recognized for her coaching abilities, as she was recently named one of the finalists for the Naismith Women’s Coach of the Year award. This is a well-deserved recognition for Close, who has worked tirelessly to build a winning program at UCLA.
As the Bruins continue their unbeaten conference run, the expectations and pressure will only continue to grow. But Close and her team are not fazed by it. They are focused on taking it one game at a time and continuing to improve as a team. Their ultimate goal is to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament and bring a national championship back to UCLA.
In just her second season in the Big Ten, Cori Close has already established herself as one of the top coaches in the conference. Her leadership and coaching abilities have transformed UCLA into a dominant force, and the rest of the Big Ten should be on notice. The Bruins are here to stay, and they are determined to make their mark on the national stage. As they say, “third time’s a charm,” but for Close and UCLA, the second time around is just as sweet.
