Why was UCLA’s KiKi Rice absent from season opener against Louisville?

UCLA guard KiKi Rice was a notable absentee in the Bruins' season opener against Louisville on Monday at the Adidas Arena in Paris, France.

ESPN announcer Ryan Ruocco said that the 5-foot-11 junior guard was out due to an apparent shoulder injury. Nevertheless, No. 5 UCLA beat No. 17 Louisville 66-59.

The Bruins haven't provided an update or timeframe for Rice's injury. The junior was a constant contributor for UCLA in the past two seasons, averaging 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

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KiKi Rice's injury affects UCLA early in the game against Louisville

KiKi Rice's injury seemed to affect the No. 5 Bruins early against the No. 17 Cardinals, falling behind to 18-13 in the first period. However, the Bruins bounced back in the second quarter, scoring 19 points for a 32-29 halftime edge.

UCLA kept the lead in the second half and held off Louisville's surges to emerge victorious 66-59.

Lauren Betts scored 18 points and four blocks to lead the Bruins' offense. Timea Gardiner added 15 points off the bench, and Londynn Jones contributed 13, including a perfect 4 of 4 from the free-throw line.

Lauren Betts tallied 18 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks to lead UCLA to a 66-59 victory over Louisville (Image Source: IMAGN)

Louisville wasted Tajianna Roberts' 21-point outburst as the Cardinals made six of 29 shots from the 3-point line.

The Bruins were better from deep, making eight out of 23 attempts, including five conversions from Gardiner and three from Jones.

UCLA won the rebounding battle 47-43, with Betts grabbing 13 rebounds, including five from the offensive glass. Gabriela Jaquez finished with eight rebounds, while Gardiner and Janiah Barker had seven each.

The Bruins dominated the assists battle 20-15, but the Cardinals won the steals battle 12-4.

Louisville forced 22 turnovers from UCLA but was inaccurate from the field, making 24 of 75 shots. In comparison, the Bruins shot 41.3%, making 28 of 63 attempts.

UCLA troops back to the Pauley Pavillion as it seeks to secure its second win to open the season against Colgate on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.

Louisville, on the other hand, looks to bounce back from the close setback as it faces Southern Indiana on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

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What can you say about UCLA's performance against Louisville in its season opener in France? Let us know your views in the comments section.