UCLA Bruins guard Jordin Canada (3) going to the paint during the women’s Arizona State vs UCLA Bruins at Westwood on February 11, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Westwood, Ca – Down in the paint even with the double team UCLA senior strong forward Monique Billings dropped in a layup to push the lead to 7 with 3:44 left in the game. Smart hard aggressive play like this help pushed the Lady Bruins to a 71-63 victory of the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Jordin Canada lead all Bruins with 16 points, 10 assists and zero turnovers for the game. This was her 5th double-double this season and her 17th in her career.
“She plays her butt off,” said ASU coach Thorne, “she great for USA basketball.( Canada)”
The Bruins took control of the game in first few minutes if the second quarter with great defense. They took 12 point lead into the half 41-29.
UCLA Bruins forward Monique Billings (25) jumping to block a shot during the women’s Arizona State vs UCLA Bruins at Westwood on February 11, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Which was just the opposite of how the Bruins began allowing the Lady Sun Devils to take a earlier 7-1 lead forcing coach Close to call a quick timeout to settle her team down.
“They competed so hard,” said UCLA coach Cori Close, “They gave us all we could handle.”
The Bruins trusted each other’s game and waited for the smart play.
Canada let the game come to her in the second half scoring 11 or 16 points. But what was more impressive was her hustle plays diving for loose balls to get more possessions.
UCLA Bruins guard Jordin Canada (3) playing defense on Arizona State Sun Devils guard Reili Richardson (1) during the women’s Arizona State vs UCLA Bruins at Westwood on February 11, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“I was making better decisions,” said Canada, “It all started off with my defense in the second half.”
The Bruins are a touch match-up with their front court scores and crashes the boards like Billings 14 points, 7 rebounds and Lajahna Drummer dropped 15 points, 8 rebounds and was perfect from the field (7/7 FG).
“This is our house,” said Billings
UCLA Bruins guard Jordin Canada (3) soaring above the Sun Devils during the women’s Arizona State vs UCLA Bruins at Westwood on February 11, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Now after today’s victory the Bruins look ahead to the road and the Oregon schools who they will play OSU on Friday February 16 and then Oregon on Monday February 19.
“This is a very important week for us, so we have to lock down and focus,” said Canada.
