UCLA Women Surge Late, but Lose to Washington

The UCLA women’s basketball team dug itself a first-half hole and almost climbed out of it in the home stretch before losing to visiting Washington, 86-81, Saturday afternoon.

Washington (11-2), rebounding from its 81-71 loss at USC Thursday, is 3-1 in the Pacific 10 Conference. UCLA slipped to 7-6, 2-2.

UCLA’s second-half charge was led by Natalie Williams, who had 20 points and 17 rebounds; Amy Jalewalia, who tied her career high with 28 points, and Detra Lockhart, who had a career-high 13 assists.

But it all went for naught as UCLA never solved the Huskies’ outside shooting (they had seven three-pointers) and their defense. Washington forced 26 UCLA turnovers.

“Their defense got to us in the first half--they put us in a hole and we never quite got out,” UCLA Coach Kathy Olivier said.

“Washington will be in the conference race all the way because of that defense; they really have good motion and on-ball pressure.”

Washington, after building a 38-31 halftime lead, never lost the advantage in the second half, but UCLA several times came close. Zrinka Kristich’s follow shot at 6:31 put the Bruins within one, 69-68. Williams, with 28 seconds left, put UCLA within two, 82-80.

Washington’s Laura Gonsalves seemed to ice it with two free throws with 17 seconds left, at 84-80.

Williams’ fourth foul with 8:08 to play hurt UCLA down the stretch. Washington post player Rhonda Smith, who had no points in the first half, finished with 20.