Timea Gardiner hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 44 seconds remaining to help top-ranked UCLA avoid its second loss of the week by edging No. 22 Michigan State 75-69. Gardiner and Janiah Barker scored 18 points each and Kiki Rice added 15 points to help the Bruins bounce back from their first loss of the season.
The highly anticipated matchup between UCLA and Michigan State was expected to be a nail-biter, and it did not disappoint. The Spartans came out strong, taking an early lead and maintaining it for most of the first half. However, the Bruins refused to back down, fought hard, and managed to tie the game at halftime.
The second half was just as intense, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. The Spartans seemed to be in control, but the Bruins had other plans. With just over a minute remaining, the game was tied, and it seemed like either team could emerge victorious.
That's when Timea Gardiner stepped up and hit the go-ahead 3-pointer, giving UCLA the lead and the momentum they needed to secure the win. The Bruins' defense held strong, and they managed to edge out the Spartans 75-69.
The win was a huge confidence boost for UCLA, which had suffered its first loss of the season earlier in the week. The Bruins were without one of their key players, Betts, but they showed that they have the depth and talent to compete with any team in the country.
Janiah Barker and Timea Gardiner were the stars of the show, scoring 18 points each and leading the Bruins to victory. Kiki Rice also had a big game, adding 15 points and helping to spark the Bruins' offense.
The loss was a tough one for Michigan State, which had been playing well coming into the game. The Spartans had hoped to pull off the upset and hand UCLA its second loss of the week, but it was not meant to be.
Despite the loss, the Spartans have nothing to be ashamed of. They played a tough, hard-nosed game and gave UCLA all they could handle. The Spartans will look to bounce back from the loss and continue to compete at a high level.
The win was a big one for UCLA, which will look to build on the momentum and continue to dominate the competition. The Bruins have proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the country, and they will be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the season.