The 3-0 UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team will look to stay undefeated at home on Sunday against Arkansas. The Razorbacks have started the season 3-1 but have yet to play anyone of the Bruins’ caliber.
Arkansas lost their season opener at home against Fairfield University 81-67, after the loss they’ve handled East Texas A&M, University of Arkansas Little Rock and University Texas-Arlington before heading to Brentwood to face the #5 ranked Bruins.
The Razorbacks have relied heavily on senior guard Izzy Higginbottom, who’s found the bottom of net plenty this year, averaging 23.5 points per game with over four rebounds and four assists. Sophomore guard Kiki Smith is averaging over 14 points per game, ranking second behind Higginbottom for Arkansas.
It’s uncertain if junior guard Kiki Rice will make her season debut on Sunday, but it’s been business as usual for the Bruins even without their veteran guard who’s made 73 starts over the last two seasons.
UCLA began the 2024-2025 season with a close call in France, defeating Louisville 66-59 overcoming a third quarter deficit before collecting two comfortable wins over Colgate and Pepperdine at Pauley Pavilion. Junior center Lauren Betts deserves a lot of credit, as she’s posted a dominant 22 points, 11 rebounds and 2.67 blocks per game to start the year.
Sunday’s meeting will just be the third in history between the two schools, with each school having earned a win. The most recent matchup came last December, where the Bruins earned an 81-66 win with Betts posting a double-double for UCLA. Tip-off is set for 4:30p.m. with the game broadcasting on the Big Ten Network.