Predicting UCLA's Next 5 Matchups

Entering this matchup, the Gophers are 12-4 and have proven to be a very pesky team to some of the league's best. They had then No. 7 Maryland on the ropes, losing 100-99, and more recently, No. 9 Michigan losing 70-60.

The biggest threat UCLA needs to watch out for is Grace Grocholski, who has been on a tear this season. In the year, she is averaging 13.9 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting a good 52.5% from the field. Minnesota native Gianna Kneepkens will be tasked with slowing her down.

Prediction: 87-53 UCLA

Game 18: vs #12 Maryland (Jan. 18)

Maryland has been on a roll this season, sitting at 16-2 with their most notable win coming against now No. 7 Kentucky. This group could really prove to give UCLA a run for its money if the Bruins are not careful.

If there is any way the Bruins lose this game, it will be because of Oluchi Okanawa. This season, Okanawa is averaging 17.4 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting a great 53.4% from the field. She also poses a significant threat defensively, averaging 2.2 steals per game.

Prediction: 90-78 UCLA

Game 19: vs Purdue ( Jan. 21)

Entering this game, ESPN gives the Bruins a 98.9% chance of winning. However, the Bruins cannot let off the gas pedal. We have seen the amount of criticism they receive when they fail to blow out teams they are supposed to. This game falls into that category.

The Bruins will need to keep tabs on Tara Daye, who has easily been the Boilermakers' most productive player. This season, she is averaging 12.4 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting a good 49.1% from the field. UCLA cannot let her rebounding be a factor. Kiki Rice will need to be on her heels.

Prediction: 102-52 UCLA

Game 20: @ Northwestern (Jan. 25)

A Big Ten matchup is still a Big Ten matchup. While Northwestern hasn't had the best season, they still have a roster that is capable of going toe-to-toe with the Bruins. Entering this game, they are 7-10 and 15th in the Big Ten. UCLA should be able to find a statement win here.

Grave Sullivan has been one of the best players in all of college basketball this season, and could prove to be a sizeable thorn in the Bruins' side if not addressed properly. This season she is averaging 22.4 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 57.8% from the field.

Prediction: 97-53 UCLA

Game 21: @ #25 Illinois (Jan. 28)

The Bruins are no strangers to the Fighting Illini, defeating them 70–55 last season. This year’s Illinois team is far more dangerous, currently ranked No. 25 and fresh off an early-season upset of then-No. 7 Maryland. While they have dropped a few games, they still proved to be a very competitive team.

UCLA needs to monitor Berry Wallace, a player who has improved since last year's showdown. This season, she is averaging 18.7 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting a great 53.0% from the field. Lauren Betts will need to be on her A game in this one.

Prediction: 92-64 UCLA

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