What happened to Kiki Rice? Exploring the latest news on the UCLA star
Kiki Rice has now missed the first two games for UCLA and it remains to be seen when the junior guard will suit up again for the Bruins. Rice was a notable absentee for No. 6 UCLA in the season opener in Paris against No. 17 Louisville on the Aflac Oui-Play, where the Bruins notched a 66-59 win.
Before tip-off, sportscaster Ryan Ruocco reported on the live broadcast that the 5-foot-11 junior guard was sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Journalist Meghan Hall added that Kiki Rice's injury status will be checked on a day-to-day basis.
Despite the absence of the star guard, Lauren Betts shined in the Bruins' first game of the campaign, finishing with 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four blocks against the Cardinals.
In Rice's absence, the Bruins also won 81-63 against the Colgate Raiders at Pauley Pavilion. Betts once again spearheaded the Bruins offense with 31 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Kiki Rice and the UCLA Bruins weather the storm early in the season
The Bruins will surely miss the services of Kiki Rice early into the season. Her averages of 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals last season were instrumental for the Bruins' run to the Sweet Sixteen.
Rice was also named to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watchlist on Thursday, which includes early front-runners for the Wooden Award All-American Team and Most Outstanding Player Award. Along with Rice are teammates Lauren Betts and Charlisse Leger-Walker.
The absence of Kiki Rice's playmaking and scoring was felt in the season opener against the Louisville Cardinals, as they were outscored in the first quarter, 18-13. Nonetheless, the Bruins managed to pick up the slack and secure the 66-59 win.
Londynn Jones made her presence felt by racking 13 points and dishing four assists. Timea Gardiner was the bench sparkplug, putting up 15 points and seven rebounds.
In their second game, the Bruins played with more firepower. Aside from another dominant performance from Betts, Jones and Gardiner combined for 22 points and eight assists. Fellow starter Elina Aarnisalo put up 19 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals.
While the absence of Rice is crucial, an uptick in playing time will be expected from guards Londynn Jones, Elina Aarnisalo, Avary Cain and Gabriela Jaquez, who all logged more than 20 minutes in the first two games.
The Bruins host the next three games in front of their home crowd at Pauley Pavilion, taking on Pepperdine (Tuesday, November 12), Arkansas (Sunday) and South Carolina (November 24).