UCLA
Nebraska
No. 15 Nebraska Rallies to Defeat UCLA, 71-66
November 29, 2014 | Women's Basketball
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LOS ANGELES (AP) – It wasn't as easy as their first four victories but No. 15 Nebraska rallied in the second haft to defeat UCLA 71-66 on Friday afternoon at Pauley Pavilion.
The Cornhuskers (5-0) entered today's game against the winless Bruins (0-4) having beaten each of its opponents by an average of 28 points. Rachel Theriot scored 24 points (13-of-14 from the free throw line) and Emily Cady added 18 as Nebraska rallied from a 16-point first half deficit ro remain unbeaten.
Cady made 6-of-7 shots and was a strong presence inside for the Cornhuskers.
Nebraska trailed the entire game until Theriot made two free throws to give the Cornhuskers a 56-55 lead with 4:39 remaining. With the score tied at 56-56, Nebraska turned up the pressure and outscored the Bruins 15-10 down the stretch.
Brandi Jeffery's 3-pointer and Theriots' 8 free throws down the stretch highlighted the Cornhuskers' surge and secured the win.
UCLA started the game aggressively on both ends of the floor and built a 25-10 lead following a 15-2 run. The Bruins also turned up the defensive pressure as they forced 22 Cornhuskers turnovers in the game.
UCLA extended its lead to 33-17 following a Corinne Costa basket with 4:04 left in the half. However, Nebraska's defense tightened and held the Bruins scoreless for the remainder of the half and went on a 9-0 run. Tear'a Laudermill drilled two 3-pointers to trim UCLA's lead to 33-26 at the break just before half.
“I've never told an 0-4 team that I'm proud of them but I did today,” said UCLA coach Cori Close. “We need to improve our second chance opportunities but we have a really young team. I think we got a little tired and tight in the second half but we improved today and we're going to continue to improve.”
Jordin Canada led the Bruins with 14 points, six assists and six steals and Kari Korver scored 11 of her 13 points in the second half. Nirra Fields scored 10 points and had 10 rebounds for UCLA, her first double-double of the season. Costa finished with 10 points for the Bruins.
The Bruins had a 39-36 advantage on the glass but committed 18 turnovers and shot 35.8 percent in the game.
Laudermill scored 15 points and Jeffrey added 11 points for the Cornhuskers.
TIP-INS: The Bruins lead the all-time series against Nebraska 4-3, however the Cornhuskers have won the last three meetings. The Cornhuskers have won their first four games this season (including two other Pac-12 teams) by an average of 28.3 points per game, but defeated UCLA by just five. Senior forwards Emily Cady and Hailie Sample have started 105 consecutive games.
UP NEXT: UCLA hosts Cincinnati on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 p.m. Nebraska hosts Northern Colorado on Sunday.
