As the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament heats up, the UCLA Bruins are proving they belong among the elite, showcasing their prowess in the Sweet 16 against the Ole Miss Rebels. This matchup, held at Spokane Arena, is a significant moment for the Bruins as they aim for their first Elite Eight appearance since 2018.
UCLA entered this contest as the top seed in Region One, boasting an impressive 32-2 record. Despite their stellar performance throughout the season, the Bruins have found themselves overshadowed by other powerhouses like UConn and South Carolina, who have shorter odds to win the National Championship at +135 and +185 respectively, while UCLA sits at +700. "We’ve done the work, and we’re ready," said Lauren Betts, the Bruins' standout center, as the team prepared for the game. "But I think we’re going to just take it game by game and focus on Ole Miss for right now."
Betts has been a force this season, averaging 19.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Her performance against Ole Miss was nothing short of spectacular, as she quickly became a focal point of UCLA's offense. The Bruins took an early lead, with Betts scoring the first two baskets of the game, helping UCLA jump out to an 11-5 advantage. By the end of the first quarter, they maintained a 19-12 lead, shooting an impressive 62 percent from the field.
However, Ole Miss, the fifth seed, was not to be underestimated. They entered the Sweet 16 after upsetting No. 4 Baylor, and their resilience was evident as they fought to stay in the game. The Rebels managed to close the gap, ending the first half trailing by just one point at 30-29, thanks to a late surge that included an 8-2 run.
The second half saw UCLA's shooting efficiency soar, with Betts leading the charge. By the end of the third quarter, she had racked up 24 points on 12-of-13 shooting. The Bruins outscored Ole Miss 25-15 in the third period, building a comfortable 55-44 lead. Kiki Rice, UCLA's dynamic point guard, contributed significantly, showcasing her ability to find open shots and create opportunities for her teammates. "Lauren catches any pass, finds out of triple teams, double teams, she finds her shooters on the perimeter," Rice said, highlighting the chemistry between the two stars.
As the fourth quarter began, UCLA extended their lead to 17 points, with a commanding 67-53 advantage with just over four minutes remaining. Betts recorded her 19th double-double of the season, finishing the game with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting an incredible 13 of 14 from the floor. The team shot 61 percent overall, demonstrating their offensive efficiency despite dealing with 16 turnovers.
Throughout the game, UCLA's defense also shone, holding Ole Miss to just 28.9 percent shooting from the field. Betts' defensive presence was felt as she averaged 2.9 blocks per game this season, contributing to the Bruins' ability to stifle their opponents. The Rebels, despite their struggles shooting, managed to stay competitive through their offensive rebounding, but it wasn’t enough to overcome UCLA’s offensive firepower.
UCLA's journey to this point has been remarkable. They ended South Carolina's 43-game winning streak earlier in the season and have only lost twice, both times to JuJu Watkins and her USC teammates. As they prepared for the Ole Miss game, Betts reflected on the team's growth, noting how hard the loss to USC had been, but emphasizing the lessons learned from that experience.
With the win over Ole Miss, the Bruins secured their place in the Elite Eight, marking a significant milestone for the program. The victory not only showcased their talent but also their resilience and determination to advance further in the tournament. Coach Cori Close has fostered a culture of accountability and teamwork, which has been evident in the way the players support each other on and off the court.
Looking ahead, the Bruins will face the third-seeded LSU in the next round, who won their matchup against second-seeded NC State. The anticipation for this matchup is palpable, as both teams are vying for a chance to reach the Final Four. With their sights set on the championship, UCLA is ready to continue their march through March Madness.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Bruins, who are determined to prove they are deserving of the national spotlight. With players like Betts and Rice leading the charge, UCLA is not just a contender; they are a force to be reckoned with in women's college basketball.
