UCLA Women's Basketball: Cori Close Details Prep Process For Trojans Match

Coach Close details how the Bruins plan to take down the Trojans.

The battle for Los Angeles begins tonight, as the #2 ranked UCLA Bruins will take on the #6 ranked USC Trojans. 

The excitement for the game has been palpable and has resulted in a sold-out crowd. What makes tonight's battle even more special is that it serves as a sort of turning point for women's basketball. 

Coach Cori Close understands that there is a ton of media attention that has been garnered based on tonight. However, she also knows that she must preach to her team about now being distracted. 

“We want to look at this for years and go, ‘This is when Southern California basketball hit a major tipping point,’” Close said. “I think everybody wins in this scenario.”

Via 

Cori Close, LA Times

Everybody does win in this situation, as the Trojans and Bruins being talked about has led to a huge surge in media attention for college women's basketball.

Coach Close reveals what her game plan has been and the wisdom she has imparted to the team. 

“I have really been focusing on trying to eliminate as many distractions from their minds as possible,” Close said. “I just want our players to focus on the consistency of what it takes to be their very best. What’s the best version of themselves, what’s the game plan and take care of what’s between the lines.”

Via Cori Close, LA Times

Tonight is a big opportunity for the Bruins to remain undefeated in the season and for conference play. Being distracted by the media attention is likely impossible, but its also about honing in on the importance of the game when business needs to be handled. 

UCLA and USC will face off tonight at 5 p.m.