UCLA Bruins defeat South Carolina Gamecocks to earn first-ever No.1 ranking

UCLA bagged a historic win against South Carolina at Pauley Pavilion on Sunday to take top spot in the Associated Press women’s basketball poll.

The Bruins triumphed 77-62 to end the Gamecocks’ record 43-game winning streak and, in the process, moved from No.5 to No.1 in the rankings.

With their season now standing at 5-0 overall, UCLA have firmly established themselves as serious title contenders.

Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on the famous victory.

History made at Pauley Pavilion

“I think the piece that really hits me is that we’re doing something for the first time in school history and we shared it with decades of alumni,” UCLA coach Cori Close said after the poll was released on Monday.

“It was great to have so many alumni in our locker room to share it with, the people that blazed the trail for us, [the one] we’re walking in. [It] is really special.”

UCLA, who were No.5 just last week, received 20 first-place votes from the 32-member national media panel to move up to No.1 in the poll for the first time ever.

South Carolina, on the other hand, dropped down to No.4 following the weekend’s defeat.

Team effort bodes well for future

Londynn Jones was ultimately the star of the show against South Carolina, leading the way with 15 points, while Lauren Betts added a tidy 11 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists.

In addition, Elina Aarnisalo scored 13 points and recorded four assists plus three rebounds to add to the victorious effort.

“If you've been sleeping on UCLA, you need to stop right now,” Betts declared in her post-game interview, laying down a marker for the rest of the division on behalf of her teammates.

The Bruins’ next game is against UT Martin on Friday, and they will be looking to build on their current momentum.

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