“All of a sudden, that became the reality”: UCLA guard Kiki Rice shares her true emotions behind Bruins' Sweet 16 loss to LSU

The UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice was a part of the trifecta that was chosen to star in a new ESPN docuseries. She was accompanied by the 2024 WNBA Draft first pick Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso.

The docuseries features interviews, behind-the-scenes videos, and action-packed games highlighting how much women's college basketball has grown.

Rice talked about the Sweet 16 game against LSU, where she scored 13 points, had five assists, and grabbed three rebounds. However, the Bruins were unable to close the gap and when Rice fouled out in the final minute, their star player was forced to watch the remainder of the game from the bench.

"It was really tough sitting on the bench, feeling helpless. At no point did I ever think we wouldn’t be in the Final Four and that we wouldn’t be playing for a national championship. Then all of a sudden, that became the reality."

LSU held on and the Bruins fell nine points short in a 78-69 defeat. LSU then advanced to the Elite Eight, where they fell to Clark and Iowa.

Kiki Rice, Bruins got into foul trouble at the worst time

Three Bruins players were in foul trouble in the game against LSU, including Rice, Charisma Osborne, and Lauren Betts having three or four fouls.

Rice fouled out with 39.3 seconds left in the game after a drive into the paint by Flau’jae Johnson, who recorded a double-double that night.

"I felt that we were in a great position to win this game," saidiRice. "It really takes the game out of rhythm, the players that you anticipate being on the court are not on the court. You are playing differently because you are in foul trouble."

However, Rice stated that this loss could motivate the team for next year.

"I think being so close, honestly, and falling short could be the fuel that we need for the future for this group."

Rice will return for her fifth season at UCLA, where the Bruins will once again be one of the contenders for a National Championship.

Rice is expected to be one of the best players in the country and will not have to deal with Clark or Kamilla Kardoso this season, as both superstars have moved on to the WNBA.