Cori Close reflects on UCLA’s showdown with Baylor

“Baylor is playing great,” Close said. “Their talent package is there. Just because they suffered some defeats early on, they are a really good team and are playing really well. They obviously beat a really good Utah team that we’re very familiar with. We pay a lot of attention to what Baylor is doing and how well they’re playing right now.”

Monday’s game marks the 11th meeting between the two programs. Baylor has a 7-3 lead in the all-time series, but UCLA took the win in their last matchup, an 82-68 victory at Pauley Pavilion in 2017. With both teams playing at a high level, the matchup promises to be close to become a contested battle.

The Bruins enter the game after a challenging week on and off the court. The Los Angeles wildfires impacted the team and added emotional weight to their preparation.

“I think there are pros and cons for both sides,” Close said of the timing of the trip. “When we travel, we may narrow our focus and have some family time, but it will also be a tiring journey. The bottom line is that we have known this was coming for a long time and we are prepared for it. We have to decide in advance that we are lucky to be able to compete. We are ready. We will make the most of every opportunity and pick up some memorable victories along the way.”

Amid the adversity, Close expressed his admiration for her the resilience and character of the team.

“I love her very much,” Close said. “I love their work ethic, their commitment to representing this university and the decisions they have made. That’s why I don’t care about 17:0. All I care about is being 1-0 on Monday afternoon. The path to where we want to go is very narrow, but I believe this team is determined and willing to do whatever it takes to stay on that path.”

Close emphasized the importance of focusing on the small details that make a big difference, even when success is easy to achieve.

“We still score, we still win, we still get stops, even if we didn’t pay close enough attention to the details,” Close said. “It’s my job to create that discomfort if we don’t do that. It’s about capturing the details in their hearts and minds because that’s what matters in the most difficult moments.”

The Coretta Scott King Classic is an opportunity for UCLA to not only maintain its undefeated record, but also grow as a team. With Baylor posing a formidable challenge, the game serves as a benchmark for the Bruins as they continue to strive for excellence.

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