The Ducks’ women’s basketball team has the opportunity to sweep the season series against the UCLA Bruins this Saturday (12:30 p.m., Pac-12 Networks) at Matthew Knight Arena.
The Ducks (8-11, 1-7 Pac-12) are currently on a six game losing streak since taking down the Bruins in Westwood on Jan. 5.
“We’ve been really working hard on defense preparing for the LA schools and I think we got everything out of what we needed to work on,” guard Lexi Petersen said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s been such a learning experience, these last couple of games. I think we’ve grown.”
During the first meeting between UCLA (8-11, 4-4) and Oregon, Petersen recorded 19 second half points (21 total), and nine assists. The Ducks’ 62-46 win included a 10-of-10 performance from the free throw line by Petersen.
“She was money that game,” head coach Kelly Graves said of the junior.
The Ducks out-rebounded UCLA 50-42 and limited the Bruins to 25 percent shooting from the field. UCLA was without Jordin Canada against the Ducks, who is averaging 10.8 points per game this season.
“They’re so athletic and they’re so young,” Graves said. “I think all those freshmen are starting to become more seasoned and their roles are developing. … I think it’s natural improvement.”
UCLA had the top recruiting class in 2014 and has continued to build upon its success.
The Ducks and Bruins are relatively close in field goal percentage, 39.7 percent and 38.7 percent, respectively.
“Knowing that we can beat them and we have before is a nice feeling,” Petersen said. “It just comes down to our defense and being solid (like the last time we played UCLA).”
UCLA is coming off back-to-back losses against the Bay Area schools last weekend. The Bruins have three double-digit scorers this year: Nirra Fields (15.0 points per game), Canada (10.8 ppg) and Kari Korver (10.8 ppg).
“It’s definitely been a roller coaster,” Petersen said of this season so far. “We’ve had highs and lows. Individuals have had highs and lows. … It’s nice I think we have such good chemistry and camaraderie; we all love each other, so we’re all there for each other. We pick each other up.”
The Ducks have focused on late-game situations in pratice to help their decision making when the game is on the line.
“I really do think we are improving,” Graves said. “Unfortunately, it hasn’t translated into wins, but we are competing, even if its just small victories. We will never accept a moral victory.”
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne