This post was updated March 6 at 9:45 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS – Most UCLA games open with a Lauren Betts basket. 
But Friday’s game opened with a different storyline, one the Bruins have seldom seen all season.

After concluding its regular season with an 73-50 win over crosstown rival USC on Sunday, No. 2 UCLA women’s basketball (28-1, 18-0) heads to Indianapolis, Indiana for its second-ever Big Ten tournament as the reigning champions.

Some find the phrase “defense wins championships” a valid philosophy for building a team.
But without a viable offense, winning a single game, let alone a championship, becomes a significantly more difficult feat.

Mirrors show us a reversed image of ourselves.
And while reflections are timeless, conditions are transient.
The Bruins faced the Hoosiers and Boilermakers in the midst of their worst start to a season in coach Billy Martin’s then-32-year tenure last season.

The bountiful nature of spring in Southern California promises an excess of sunshine, beach days and calm, warm breezes.
But for those inhabiting Easton Stadium, the season marks the start of Big Ten competition and even bigger opportunities.

Like passing a baton, life can close chapters while opening new ones.
And after nine weeks, the Bruins are transitioning from the conclusion of one campaign to the start of another.

This post was updated March 5 at 10:45 p.m.
After dominating the field in year one, a reigning conference co-champion will return.
And this time even stronger.