Lauren Betts Shines as UCLA Advances to Sweet 16
LOS ANGELES — In the world of college basketball, few moments are as cherished as the final home game of the season. For the UCLA women’s basketball team, this was not just any game. It was a night to remember, especially for their standout player, Lauren Betts. As the Bruins faced off against Richmond, the stakes were high, and the atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion was electric.
UCLA’s head coach, Cori Close, had a plan. She wanted to ensure that Betts, a player who has been pivotal to the team’s success, had her moment in the spotlight. With the Bruins leading by 17 points and their ticket to the Sweet 16 secured, Close made a strategic decision. She called for a substitution, allowing Betts to exit the game to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Betts’ performance was nothing short of spectacular. She scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, making history as the first UCLA player to achieve a 30-point, 10-rebound game in an NCAA tournament. This was also her first career 30-10 game, a testament to her growth and dominance on the court. As she left the game with just 26 seconds remaining, the applause from the fans was a fitting tribute to her incredible night.
In addition to her scoring and rebounding, Betts contributed 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, shooting an impressive 14-of-17 from the field. Her coach, Cori Close, couldn’t help but sing her praises. “She’s an absolute generational player … an elite player,” Close said. “She’s incredibly competitive. She affects the game in so many ways on both offense and defense. I mean the list goes on and on.”
The game against Richmond was not without its challenges. The Spiders pushed the Bruins hard, managing to keep the score tied at halftime. However, Betts proved to be the difference-maker. Despite being swarmed by Richmond defenders, she scored at will, showcasing her skills and determination.
Standing at 6-foot-8, Betts creates a mismatch that has been crucial to UCLA’s success this season. “The scouting report starts with Lauren every time. And so it’s really almost an impossible task [to guard her],” Close explained. “And our other players are the beneficiary of the attention that she draws every single night.”
Richmond managed to stay close in the first half, with Betts scoring 14 points. At halftime, Close challenged Betts to take over the game with her defense. “I just told her, you’re not the national defensive player of the year candidate for just in the post,” Close said. “You are really good on the perimeter.”
The Spiders struggled in the third quarter, scoring only seven points, and were unable to recover. Betts added 16 points in the second half and finished with 9 offensive rebounds. Her presence on the court opened up shooting lanes for her teammates, allowing UCLA to sink 8 3-pointers in the second half.
Point guard Kiki Rice, who plays alongside Betts, expressed her admiration for her teammate. “Lauren just makes the game easy for everyone on this team,” Rice said. “And I think her ability to shoulder so much weight and just do that on a consistent basis and show up for us every single day is something we really admire.”
Betts’ performance did not go unnoticed. Former Los Angeles Laker and current broadcaster Mychal Thompson took to social media to share his thoughts. He posted on X: “UCLA Center ranking…1)Kareem…2)Walton…3)Lauren Betts…”
- UCLA Center ranking…1)Kareem…2)Walton…3)Lauren Betts…
When informed of the tweet, Betts was nearly speechless, expressing her gratitude for the recognition. “That’s crazy,” she said. “Thank you.”
With this victory, the Bruins now head to Spokane, seeking redemption after their previous exit from the NCAA tournament at the hands of LSU in the Sweet 16. The journey continues, and with Betts leading the charge, UCLA’s future looks bright.
ESPN Research contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: Paolo Uggetti
