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“OKC’s a tough matchup. But those matchups are special. And like I said before, it’s gonna be a big challenge for us. But also it’s the games that, it’s fun to play.”

The past and present were melded in that UCLA-LSU matchup, exemplifying the skill seen and fun of following women’s sports.

The matchup closely resembled last year’s Elite Eight loss, as Bueckers went off for 31 points, two more than she had against the Trojans last March.

Some of Freddie Freeman’s most productive moments as a Dodger have come in matchups against his old team, the Atlanta Braves.

But it’s her defense that will need to make a difference Monday, as a possible head-to-head matchup with Bueckers beckons with a Final Four bid on the line.