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Krystal Tome

Getting to Candyland, Step by Step: Bruins v Sooners Round of 32

by Krystal Tome 04/13/2023

written by Krystal Tome

It’s a Monday night. The crowd is roaring.

This was an anticipated night for the UCLA Bruins, since it was the night that determined if they would make it to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in four years.

Coach Cori Close emphasized a focus on the pacing of the game against the Oklahoma Sooners. “Oklahoma is one of the most fast-paced teams. A really good offensive team…so there’s a completely different gameplan.”

Camryn Brown (#35) came into the first quarter with a momentous steal, which led to the ball falling out of bounds and being awarded to the Bruins. The first quarter set a precedent for the audience and the team—there were going to be lots of fouls. Because of the Sooners’ offense, it can be presumed that Coach Close was looking for strong defense, which led to fouls by the referees. The Bruins accumulated 18 non-foul turnovers and 29 fouls (12 being in the fourth quarter), while the Sooners’ had 26 fouls (14 in the fourth quarter).

Brown later said that the team should “[slow] down, [have] more composure” for the next game against South Carolina. “We did a really good job of speeding [Oklahoma] up, and our defense was super aggressive,” she expressed, before admitting, “I think we got a little excited after certain stops happened, and our game just sped up.”

All the fouls provided many chances for free throws. Charisma Osborne (#20) made 100% of her free throws (17-17) and Kiki Rice (#1) made 7-8 of her free throws, making this a great night for Bruins at the line. After the game, Osborne shared an anecdote about her record for making (42) free throws in a row during a practice. “One time, I was at L.A. Fitness or something with my dad… and he was like ‘okay, if you make 30 free throws, you get ice cream’ or something like that. 30 in a row. And that was the first time I ever made 30 in a row, probably the first time I ever made 10 in a row. I don’t know what happened; I flipped the switch. Since then, I’ve been pretty good at free throws.”

With this defense, and spectacular offense by Osborne with 36 points that night, the Bruins advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. This win was contested, however, with a close score of 61-59 UCLA in the last five minutes of the game. The final score of 82-73 came with the mentality of “one stop at a time, one score at a time, not thinking too far ahead,” according to Lina Sontag (#21).

This rollercoaster of a game excited a Bruin-filled crowd for what’s to come during the rest of March Madness. Women’s Sports activist and TikTok Creator Audrey DeVaughn (@audreydevaughn) shared some thoughts on the game.

“This was my first UCLA women’s basketball game. It was also [the first game for] the people who I was with… it really showed them that the product of women’s basketball is really good and I’ve been saying that.” She then emphasizes the importance of showing up to women’s sports events. “Until you’re actually at a game it’s like, people don’t internalize it. Especially on my TikTok, a lot of people are like ‘the product’s not good’ and blah blah blah, but I’m like, have you been to a women’s basketball game? Like, no. Once you go, you can see how awesome it is.”

DeVaughn continues by name dropping the team members that she looked forward to watching most. Some of these names included “Kiki Rice, Charisma Osborne, and Gabriela Jaquez. Conti played really [well]. I felt like they worked really well together.”

“Basketball is one of the few sports that you can have different roles on the team, and still be as valuable, so I thought of that especially with Camryn Brown. I saw how, near the end, they were switching her out for offense, defense, offense, defense,” she stated. “So she was less of a scorer, but they needed her on the court for defense. Basketball is a game that can really elevate those types of players.”

“I was impressed by how much team chemistry they had, and I’m glad that I got the opportunity to see them at home, because it was really exciting.”

Although the Bruins ended their March Madness run in the Sweet Sixteen, women’s basketball will be back in Pauley Pavilion in November.

On April 5th, Charisma Osborne and Camryn Brown announced on instagram that they will be using their 5th year of eligibility to continue their journeys as UCLA Bruins.

04/13/2023 0 comments

Arts & Entertainment Campus Culture Sports

Equity and Tenacity on the March Madness Stage: First Round UCLA v Sac State

by Krystal Tome 03/20/2023

written by Krystal Tome

As soon as the NCAA Selection Committee announced that UCLA got the No. 4 seed, the women on the basketball team began preparations. For some of the players, this would be the first March Madness game of their careers, and to be able to play on their home court, surrounded by their friends, families, and fans meant a lot to them.

Freshman Gabriela Jaquez (#23) shared, “I think it’s a really amazing opportunity that we can play here at Pauley Pavilion and have our home crowd here.”

Christeen Iwuala (#22) followed with, “Especially for the fact that something like this is really uncommon, coming in first year, being able to do something so monumental like this, I feel like it’s a really good opportunity that we have.”

Starting their March Madness tournament in Pauley Pavilion, the hype from the crowd, as well as the one-week break since their match in Vegas against Washington State (which took place on March 5th, 2023), helped fuel the fire that went into the game. Notably, the start of the game was full of energy when Gina Conti (#10) scored twice and made a rebound before the seven-minute mark. “I think it’s important for me as a point guard to be aggressive, to collapse the defense, to then kick out for my teammates who were open,” Conti remarks on the goals set in mind coming into a game.

Article Photo Credits: Krystal Tome – Nommo Newsmagazine

After tying once in the first quarter, the Bruins kept the lead, making it up 24 at one point. Some highlights include, Charisma Osborne’s (#20) achieved double-double status in this game with 11 points and 12 rebounds, contributions from Jaquez’s layups and relentless drive, and Kiki Rice’s (#1) top scorer of the Bruins status tonight with 15 points. Another unforgettable moment came from Londynn Jones (#3), whose persistent determination before and after she was fouled by Sacramento State’s Dean (#0), leading to a quick trip to the locker room and back to continue what she started on the court, exemplified strong-mindedness on the court.

On the importance of March Madness branding and equity for the women’s game, Jaquez said, “It should always have been March Madness to start, but I’m really glad that we can be the players to play in the women’s March Madness tournament.”

Complementing her thought, Jones brought into perspective the hard work the UCLA WBB team has put in in order to be able to play on the March Madness stage. “It’s really just a testament to all of the hard work we’ve been doing, and it’s very different for [men’s] and women’s basketball, but the whole point is to make things equal.”

“You put in just as much work as them,” Jones continues. “But I think that it does show what we’re leading to and where we’re going, and so it’s a big difference.”

2023 marks the second year that the women’s NCAA D1 Tournament falls under the March Madness brand. The NCAA is making strides for gender equity in basketball, but there’s still much to be done.

“All of the things and the investments from the NCAA in the last [few] years are really, really important and greatly recognized and appreciated,” said Cori Close, the head basketball coach for WBB. “That being said, I’m excited for a few that still need to be attacked.”

03/20/2023 0 comments

Campus News Sports

At the End of the Tunnel: Last MBB Weekend at Pauley

by Krystal Tome 03/15/2023

written by Krystal Tome

It was the last Thursday of the 2022-2023 MMB season at Pauley Pavilion.

The student section is packed. Like, literally all filled.

With this being the last Thursday game at Pauley of the season, the emotions begin to sink in for seniors Russell Strong IV (#43), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (#24), Tyger Campbell (#10), David Singleton (#34), and Kenneth Nwuba (#14). A packed crowd ready for some 8-claps was the personification of unity, mirroring that of the UCLA Men’s Basketball team.

Although they had a rough start with a 2-12 score at 15:21 in the first quarter, the Bruins persevered. If shots weren’t going in, the players adjusted in order to bring more points to their side of the scoreboard. Whether this meant Mac Etienne (#12) catching Jaquez’s offensive rebound and making a layup, or Dylan Andrews (#2) gaining possession of the ball and assisting #24 to a slam dunk, the Bruins were getting it together, slowly bridging the score gap.

The first half ended in a score of 36-32 favoring UCLA. In the tunnel, as the players make their way back to the court, glum looks are plastered on their faces. The energy seems a little sad; perhaps Coach Mick Cronin just finished yelling at them. Cronin proclaims, “The halftime score’s irrelevant. It’s a 40-minute game.” Once they started the 2^nd half, the Bruins did not let go of the lead, ending the game with a win against Arizona State (79-61). These points consisted of multiple dunks by #24, which were rarely seen this season due to “PTSD about jumping, whether it be for rebounds or dunking,” according to Jaquez, due to some ankle injuries that took place during this season and in the previous season. Jaylen Clark (#0) and Adem Bona each brought thirteen defensive rebounds and nine offensive rebounds in total.

Saturday March 5th. UCLA v Arizona.

Students were lined up since 2 AM for the 7 PM game against Arizona in Pauley Pavilion.

Not only did the Bruins play against the 2^nd best team in the Pac-12 regular season, but it was Senior Night, and the two big contenders for the Player of the Year Award were going head-to-head. Jaylen Clark remarked, “It’s for a number one seed in the West, it’s for an undefeated home record. A lot of the marbles are sitting on the table.” With a sold-out crowd, the starting senior line-up—Tyger Campbell, Russell Stong IV, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kenneth Nwuba, and David Singleton—were greeted with cheers as they were commemorated for their contributions to the MBB team.

Possession of the ball was held by Tyger for most of the game, bringing in a total of 21 points in addition to making 11-12 free throws, four assists, and four defensive rebounds. Singleton’s 17 points were made up of five three-pointers (56% accuracy) and two free throws granted after a personal foul by Arizona’s Kerr Kriisa.

Completing the 25 home-game win-streak, The Den (UCLA’s student section) roared with immensely high energy, chanting “MVP! MVP! MVP!” This summoned Jaquez, who was then engulfed by his fellow schoolmates.

Here’s where the MBB story ends at Pauley, reaching the top of one mountain to then find the bottom of another. All of the hard work in the regular season has won Coach Cronin the John R. Wooden Coach of the Year, Jaime Jaquez Jr. Pac-12 Player of the Year, Jaylen Clark Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and Adem Bona Pac-12 Freshman Player of the Year awards.

Yet, the endurance must continue into the rest of March as March Madness nears.

“It’s one step towards our real goal …to cut the nets down.” – David Singleton

03/15/2023 0 comments

Campus News Sports

Battle of the Bears: UCLA Bruins v Cal Golden Bears (MBB)

by Krystal Tome 02/25/2023

written by Krystal Tome

As the amount of times we hear “Dreams and Nightmares” in Pauley Pavilion dwindles, the team and crowd’s energy grows. With only two more games left at home, Bruin fans sold-out the arena on Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s birthday (February 18th) following Amari Bailey’s birthday (February 17th). Smiles and cheers filled the stands and the court as the Bruins won by a 35-point lead.

Saturday, February 18th, was UCLA’s MBB game against UC Berkeley ending with a score of 78-43, adding even more heft to the claim that UCLA is the #1 public university. With the Bruins racking up 38 points in the first half, giving them a 23-point lead, many players were able to get on the court for more time than in previous games. Dylan Andrews (#2), Will McClendon (#4), and Mac Etienne (#12) were each on the court for 17 minutes. McClendon assisted Andrews in a layup, helped Singleton (#34) score a three-pointer, and made a jumper assisted by Singleton, exhibiting an interesting dynamic between #4 and #34.

To celebrate Black History Month, during halftime Heartbeat Music & Performing Arts Academy performed with an amazing marching drumline and majorette performance. Members of the Black Student-Athlete Alliance made an appearance on the court, bringing awareness to the club and the community they have cultivated.

To end this celebratory night, with the score at 75-42, Russell Stong IV (#43) rose from the bench and strutted onto the court, following multiple “We Want Russell” chants. With two minutes to the end of the 2nd half, Stong contributed with a crowd-thundering free throw within the last two minutes of the game.

[They were] on [their] grind and now [they] got what [they] deserve – “Dreams and Nightmares”

02/25/2023 0 comments

Campus News Sports

A Bruin Weekend: UCLA v. Washington & Washington State (MBB)

by Krystal Tome 02/09/2023

written by Krystal Tome

By: Krystal Tome

Last Thursday (February 2nd), the UCLA Bruins went up against the Washington Huskies (University of Washington) during a game of men’s basketball. With the final score of 70-61, the Bruins earned a much needed and deserved win after losses against USC (64-77) and Arizona (52-58). With an improvement on offense, UCLA dominated the first half which facilitated their win against the Huskies. Between the total of Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s (#24) 10 rebounds, Amari Bailey’s (#5) 66% shooting accuracy, and Adem Bona’s (#4) continuous slam dunks, lots of talent was showcased in Pauley that Thursday night.

Although Thursday brought another win for the Bruins, commenters on Instagram have been recusing the team for their playing during the second halves of recent games:

“Gotta limit the second half turnovers” – @uclabreakdown

“a W is a W but… this team needs to figure out how to play in the second halves.” – @fleur.de.lis

With these types of comments under @uclambb’s post documenting the final score of 70-61, one can only wonder how this affects the players and their mental states during games and preparation. In the press room after this 70-61 win, I asked if being back in Pauley Pavilion (the previous two games had been away) had affected the players’ mental states. Jaime Jaquez then responded with “I’m one of the older guys here, so I know that my time is dwindling… in Pauley Pavilion, so one of the things I’ve been telling the guys is, ‘Man, we just gotta enjoy this last little stretch that we have, and really just make the most of it, play our hearts out.’”

Also on mental health, Jaime Jaquez and David Singleton shared on pressures and how that can affect a game, physically and emotionally on Saturday February 4^th, after the game against Washington State.

Jaime Jaquez stated, “As a team, you get pressure from outside sources, media. I think we played with a lot more positive attitude…and I think that’s what went into this game.” Attributing the positive attitude to pep talk David Singleton (#34) gave to the team, Singleton then added “I only have so many games left… it’s not hitting me yet, but it’s creeping. I decided I want to play my heart out tonight.”

UCLA v Washington State ended in a 76-52 score with the Bruins taking the win. Notably, Bona made 4-5 of his shots, Clark (#0) and Bailey both made 50% of their 3-pointers, and Jaquez carried with 15 rebounds.

The years of training, refining their craft, and raw, natural talent all contributed to the Bruin’s wins this past weekend, but it is also important to note that the psychological aspect of the game also has major effects. Whether it be the great desire to win, meditating on their remaining time in Pauley, taking the pressure off, or focusing on having a positive attitude, it is clear that basketball is not only a physical game, but a mental one as well.

02/09/2023 0 comments

Campus News Sports

Bridging the Gap: Disparities between Women’s and Men’s Basketball

by Krystal Tome 01/17/2023

written by Krystal Tome

By: Krystal Tome

Disparity between men’s and women’s sports teams has been pertinent within the sports news cycle, sponsorships and even audience attendance for decades. Unfortunately, we see that this pattern is also persistent on college campuses across the USA.

Even at UCLA, where an inclusive culture is celebrated and respected, the disparity between men’s and women’s sports is unfortunately still present. With UCLA having lines of people waiting for a wristband to get into men’s basketball games extending from Pauley Pavilion all the way to the Covel stairs, it is interesting to think about why students don’t exude the same energy for the women’s basketball team and what systems may be in place holding this disparity.

During an interview in October with Camryn Brown (#35) and Dominique Onu (#2 [at the time of the interview]), we discussed their experiences as student-athletes and women in sports generally and within the context of UCLA.

(L-R) Kiki Rice (#1), Camryn Brown (#35), Lina Sontag (#21), Charisma Osborne (#20), Gabriela Jaquez (#23)
Photo Credits for Entire Article: Nyla Buie for NOMMO Newsmagazine/UCLA Student Media

“One of the biggest [examples of disparity] we got to see was [during the 2020-2021 season] when we went to the NCAA tournament” Brown shares. “The amenities and the attention and availability for stuff that all the men’s teams got” were a lot more elaborate and plentiful. For example, in the women’s weight rooms, Camryn continues, “there were claims of ‘no space’ until Sedona Prince from the University of Oregon shared the situation on TikTok, which is when [the NCAA] shipped some more equipment in.” By utilizing media, such as TikTok in this case, evidence of the disparity and disregard of women’s sports was exposed to the world which pressured the NCAA to take action.

The lack of equal support by companies to men’s and women’s teams affects support by the public, although it seems the NCAA is improving now, step by step. 2022 was the first year where the women’s tournament will have the same March Madness branding that the men have had since 1939. This is exciting because it could potentially increase attention towards the women’s games during the tournament, which will bring more viewers and support to women in sports.

The November 7th games were part of a doubleheader; the women’s team played against Cal Poly at 5:30pm PST and the men’s team played against Sacramento State at 8:30pm PST. During the Postgame Media Availability after the UCLA v Cal Poly game on November 7th, Coach Cori Close spoke on the importance of media coverage of women’s sports, as it is part of the journey to lessening the apparent and pertinent disparity in attention, funding, and support of women’s basketball. Coach Close remarked during her opening statement “I am keenly aware for us to continue to grow our game… we need you to be here to cover our game and tell our stories… so thank you.”

(L-R) Camryn Brown (#35) and Londynn Jones (#3)

After her debut as a Bruin on the court, Gabriela Jaquez (#23) shared that the doubleheader meant a lot to her and her family, given that her brother (Jaime Jaquez Jr. [#24]) played in the 2nd half of the doubleheader. She also shared about the importance of the doubleheader in regard to the women’s game with, “to have a doubleheader [and] to bring more fans in to watch us is a really good opportunity for the women’s basketball team.” During the game, two of the debuting freshmen, Kiki Rice (#1) and Gabriela Jaquez (#23) really let their talent shine on the court. Gabriela Jaquez’s determination and focus by the net was very impressive to watch and Kiki Rice’s speed and agility around the opposing team led to many great plays. These skills helped bring the Bruins to their first win of the season, and will continue to in the games to come.

During our interview, Dominique Onu and Camryn Brown brought a call to action for students to attend more women’s basketball games in order to help in the movement to bridge the gap between the disparity. “You can literally come to a game for free. We even raffle off things like iPads as an incentive for students to come to our games, so it would be great to see more support” Onu said. Currently, the women’s basketball team is ranked as #9 in the country by the newest AP poll due to the fervent talent by our players. It is free for students to attend UCLA’s WBB games, so come out to support our Bruins!

The members of the UCLA men’s basketball team have been supportive of the women’s game; Onu and Brown remarked they are grateful for this support as it builds community and the Bruin bond.

(L-R) Gabriela Jaquez (#23) and Lina Sontag (#21)

I would like to give a special thanks to Dominique Onu and Camryn Brown for our wonderful interview as well as Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, and Coach Cori Close for their time during postgame media availability.

01/17/2023 0 comments

(L) Broderick Hunter: Actor, (R) Mariama Diallo: CEO and Designer of Sincerely Ria

Arts & Entertainment Culture News

Ebony Power 100 Gala 2022: Celebrating and Cultivating Black Excellence

by Krystal Tome 11/16/2022

written by Krystal Tome

By: Krystal Tome

On October 29^th, 2022, Ebony Magazine hosted their annual Ebony Power 100 Gala honoring 100 influential Black people. Every year, this Gala takes place in celebration of Black Excellence. This year, critically acclaimed artists, Myles Frost (Tony Winner) and Tobe Ngiwe (NAACP Image Award Winner), performed at the Gala and Amber Ruffin of The Amber Ruffin Show hosted. Honorees were in diverse industries: music, film, advocacy, business, STEM, and more! The star studded red-carpet featured Emmy Winner Quinta Brunson (writer and star of Abbot Elementary), Kandi Burrus (songwriter for Destiny’s Child & TLC, former member of Xscape), Myles Frost (Tony Winner for role in MJ the Musical), Nia Long, Amber Ruffin (star of The Amber Ruffin Show), stars of Insecure Kendrick Sampson, Jay Ellis, and Issa Rae and more!

On the carpet I asked various stars what their advice is to current Black college students in their specific area of expertise.

In my interview with CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar of Ebony Magazine, she shared that there is no singular correct path to achieve success in the media and publishing industry. “As long as you dream it and you set out on your own path, it can happen…There’s no one way or another… It’s going to take a number of opportunities.” Speaking of her own experience, CEO Sklenar said, “I am truly the evidence that a number of things had to happen in order to get me here, but it was my own path to have and my journey that had to be lived.”

Myles Frost shared his experience at the Tony’s when I asked him about advice to give to Black college students aspiring to make it on Broadway. “I am pushing and urging young talent to continue to create.” He mentioned “it felt very scarce at the Tony’s…although [the event] was beautiful, it was kind of unfortunate at the same time because I want to see more of us”. Frost then pointed out the progress Broadway is making with the direction it is going in with having more shows with predominantly Black casts being performed such as: The Lion King, Tina, and MJ the Musical.

The celebration of Black excellence at the annual Ebony Power 100 Gala also brings cultivation of more Black excellence through the inspiring speeches, awards, and interviews on the red carpet. To Black Bruins and Black college students across the globe, know that you are loved, appreciated, and talented.

(L) Bianca Lawson,
(R) Garcelle Beauvais

This event, the 2022 EBONY Power 100 Gala was presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar^TM and was supported in sponsorship by: Cadillac, Walmart, Google Pixel 7, Ally, P&G, Baccarat, United Airlines, Nationwide, and Beam Suntory.

11/16/2022 0 comments