University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA
23-6, 14-4P12
Utah
No. 10 UCLA Beats Utah, 78-71
February 24, 2018 | Women's Basketball
The Bruin seniors go out in style with overtime thriller on "Senior Day."
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LOS ANGELES (AP) – It was senior day at UCLA, so it was fitting that a pair of Bruin seniors who have starred all season came through once again.
Jordin Canada and Monique Billings combined for 46 points, 15 rebounds, 14 assists, seven steals and four blocks to lead No. 10 UCLA to a 78-71 overtime win against Utah on Saturday in Pauley Pavilion.
Billings had 24 points and 10 rebounds for her 45th career double-double (fourth straight) and Canada had 22 points and 14 assists, for her 38th career 20-point or more game, helping the Bruins (23-6, 14-4 Pac-12) to their second straight win. Canada posted her third straight double-double in her final regular-season game at UCLA.
"Obviously, Monique and Jordin, all year long, have delivered in the big moments," The Michael Price Family UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach Cori Close said. "They're just rock solid that way. Both made big plays down the stretch in very pressurized situations. I'm grateful for the elite level they've brought this program to, all three of them."
Kelli Hayes, also a senior, made a huge 3-pointer early in the overtime to give UCLA a 70-67 lead that they would never relinquish.
The Bruins are expected to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
Emily Potter scored 24 points for Utah (17-12, 8-10). Tori Williams made three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points.
Utah's Tilar Clark got her own rebound and made a layup with 1.4 seconds, tying it at 65 and sending the game to overtime. But in overtime, Canada scored six of UCLA's 13 points and the Bruins pulled away early in the extra session.
"They made shots. We didn't," Utah coach Lynne Roberts said. "They made big plays and showed their talent with Canada and Billings. UCLA has a really good team. They're really good. I'm really proud of our team. We're missing our two leading scorers (Daneesha Provo and Megan Huff).
"We're way down in terms of our depth, but our kids fought. We lost in overtime at USC, too. I'm proud of our team in terms of our ability to fight. It just stinks to lose two heartbreakers."
UCLA went to overtime for the third time in four games. UCLA lost at then-No. 8 Oregon and then-No. 15 Oregon State in overtime the previous weekend.
"I'm glad we were able to finish it off," Billings said. "Its going to make us tough going into the postseason, having moments like this, critical moments where you have to be focused and execute the game plan. Stop being nervous. Stop what the other team is good at. I think that's really going to help us. Hopefully, we'll be able to get bigger leads toward the end of games."
Canada had a key three-point play in the extra session.
Before the game, Canada - who grew up in Los Angeles - was honored alongside both of her parents while watching video tributes of her career.
"It was a little bit emotional when you think about the past four years and how it's flown by so quickly," Canada said. "I remember last year I was standing in line with (Kari) Korver and Nicole (Kornet) going by and thinking, that's going to be us next year. It was a little bit emotional to see the past four years and what we've done. At the same time, I was happy with what we've accomplished and done so far and we'll be continuing to do."
CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATIONS
UCLA celebrated the 40th anniversary of the 1978 AIAW National Championship team led by Ann Meyers Drysdale and Denise Curry. Nine different members of the team were in attendance and Meyers Drysdale addressed the crowd at halftime.
BIG PICTURE
Utah: Even with a loss, the Utes played well and can use the experience as a tuneup for the conference tournament next week.
UCLA: The Bruins did what they needed to do to win in order to lock up a top-four seed and automatic first-round bye for the Pac-12 Tournament.
UP NEXT
Utah: Plays in Pac-12 Tournament next week in Seattle.
UCLA: Plays in Pac-12 Tournament next week in Seattle.
