LOS ANGELES — Cori Close appeared on the Pauley Pavilion big screen halfway through the first quarter, welcoming hordes of children – most in matching bright green or Bruin blue T-shirts – into the stands for the Bruins’ annual morning field-trip game.

“I want to hear you,” the Bruins’ women’s basketball coach said, turning her profile to the left and holding her hand in a cupping motion by her ear.

The kids heard her message – loud and clear. And the echoes of incoherent screeches-turned-cheers roused to deafening highs as No. 3 UCLA (2-0) defeated UC Santa Barbara 87-50 early Thursday afternoon in Westwood.

The Bruins shot 49% from the field and 33% from three-point range. Senior guard Gabriela Jaquez led all scorers with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting with four 3-pointers.

Senior gua

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