It was a good night for UCLA Bruins basketball star Gabriela Jaquez and team Mexico. They picked up a 71-64 win over New Zealand on Wednesday. The win for them moved them into the semifinals of the Pre-qualifying tournament of the Basketball World Cup 2026.
Jaquez played the most minutes for the team and was the leading scorer. She played 30:22 and scored 22 points. Jaquez was 8 for 15 from the field, and 5 for 8 from free throw. She could add 8 rebounds and an assist in the game, along with 3 steals.
It was not a good first half for Mexico and especially the second quarter. The Mexican team trailed 40-29 at halftime, after losing the second quarter 26-9. They rallied to win the second half 42-24 to win the game. Mexico outscored New Zealand 27-13 in the fourth.
Mexico off to the semifinals with winning energy!
#FIBAWWC #WeOwnTheGame pic.twitter.com/gfsMXClJzu
— Women's Hoops by FIBA (@FIBAWWC) August 22, 2024
The Bruins star will wrap up the pool play of the event on Thursday night. The FIBA World Cup will be held in Germany in September of 2026.
Jaquez is projected to be one of the leading scorers for Cori Close and the 2024-2025 UCLA Bruins. They went to the Sweet 16 a season ago.