Nirra Fields leads UCLA offense in 96-89 win over Cal Poly
Sophomore guard Nirra Fields’ led UCLA past Cal Poly on a career day.
By Daily Bruin
Dec. 28, 2013 3:49 p.m.
A steal here, a three-pointer there and field goal after field goal – such was the day of Nirra Fields. It was a career game for the sophomore guard, one she likely won’t soon forget.
Fields, who posted 36 points on 13-18 shooting, including a 5-7 effort from long range and 5 steals, electrified Pauley Pavilion on Saturday, powering UCLA (6-6) past Cal Poly (6-7) 96-89.
Saturday continued a growing trend as Fields has led the Bruins in scoring in three of the last four games. For a team in need of offensive firepower, Fields’ emergence looks to fill another missing piece in the puzzle that is this year’s women’s basketball team.
Yet, coach Cori Close wasn’t quite as satisfied.
In a post-game interview broadcasted over the public address announcer, she credited Fields for her tremendous play, but pointed to the Bruins’ ailing defense.
UCLA allowed 89 points, far too many for Close’s liking.
As much as she has preached about the importance of defense this season, the team’s defensive play remains a work in progress heading into Pac-12 play, which starts Monday against USC.
The Bruins’ finished non-conference play at an even .500 – true to the up-and-down trend this year’s team seems to have taken.
But as Close noted, UCLA’s non-conference schedule was rated No. 1 in the country by RPI. And the tough slate of games early on should serve the team well heading into Pac-12 play.
Compiled by Chris Kalra, Bruin Sports senior staff.
