Overview
- A brief handshake-line video showed Barker pull back as Close leaned in for a hug after UCLA’s 99-77 win over Tennessee at Pauley Pavilion.
- Barker later wrote on Instagram that they did shake hands and that she wishes Close the best.
- Close told reporters she had written Barker a card and presented her with a Final Four ring, calling her “a great player, explosive.”
- Barker scored a game-high 25 points in the loss as No. 11 Tennessee moved to 5-2.
- The Tennessee forward has been a leading contributor this season, averaging about 15.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.