UCLA breaks through, faces Mississippi State (Mar 24, 2018)

Published Mar. 24, 2018 5:07 p.m. ET

A program-record third straight trip to the Sweet 16 turned out to be the charm for the UCLA women's basketball team.

The Bruins, whose past two seasons have ended on the NCAA Tournament's second weekend, finally broke through on Friday in Kansas City, Mo.

"It was starting to feel like Groundhog Day, so we had to turn that around," senior Monique Billings said, according to the Los Angeles Times. "That's what we did. That's what we came to UCLA to do. I can speak for the seniors, Jordin (Canada) and I. That was our vision. It's been a journey and we're not done yet."

After beating second-seeded Texas 84-75, the No. 3 Bruins will face top-seeded Mississippi State in the Elite Eight on Sunday in Kansas City. The winner will advance to next weekend's Final Four in Columbus, Ohio.

"I'm so happy for the seniors who were courageous enough to dream big and play big and have an opportunity to play for a spot in the Final Four," UCLA coach Cori Close said.

The Bruins (27-7) are seeking their first-ever Final Four appearance.

Jordin Canada scored 22 points as UCLA avenged a 2016 regional semifinal loss to the Longhorns.

"We've been here before," Canada said. "We've been through adversity. We know the game is a game of runs ... and it's all about how we stay composed. I thought that was the difference between this time and two years ago."

Mississippi State (35-1) used a big third quarter and a near-perfect game from center Teaira McCowan to turn back fourth-seeded North Carolina State 71-57 on Friday.

McCowan made all 11 of her field goal attempts -- tying an NCAA Tournament record -- and both her free throws on her way to 24 points. She also had 15 rebounds and four blocks.

"You don't see 6-foot-7 every day," Wolfpack coach Wes Moore said. "When they're just lobbing it up to her, there's not a whole lot you can do at times. You feel pretty helpless."

Mississippi State, which led by five at halftime, pushed the lead to 17 after three quarters.

"This team and these kids continue to set records at Mississippi State. Just proud of them," Bulldogs coach Vic Schaefer said. "Hat's off to N.C. State. Wes had a done a tremendous job with that program. That team had our attention. They certainly had mine."

"We'll have our work cut out for us with (UCLA). It's on to the next one. I think our kids are dialed in."