SPOKANE, Wash. -- In a dazzling display of skill and dominance, Lauren Betts led the UCLA Bruins to a 76-62 victory over the Ole Miss Rebels in the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament. Betts, a towering 6-foot-7 center, showcased her prowess by scoring an impressive 31 points on 15-of-16 shooting, while also contributing 10 rebounds and three blocks. This victory marks UCLA's first trip to the Elite Eight since 2018, as they prepare to face LSU on Sunday for a shot at the Final Four.
The Bruins, who finished the regular season with a stellar 32-2 record, were relentless in their pursuit of victory. Kiki Rice added 13 points and seven assists, making her a crucial part of the team's offensive strategy. On the other hand, the fifth-seeded Rebels, who concluded their season with a 22-10 record, were led by Tameiya Sadler, who scored 14 points. Despite having reached the Elite Eight five times in their history, Ole Miss hasn't advanced that far since 2007.
The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, as Ole Miss failed to score for the first four minutes. UCLA took advantage of this slow start, with Betts quickly establishing herself in the paint. Her layup at the 3:40 mark of the first quarter gave the Bruins a 19-10 lead. However, Ole Miss fought back, with KK Deans hitting a jumper to close the gap to 21-19 by the end of the first quarter.
As the second quarter unfolded, Ole Miss continued to press, cutting UCLA's lead to just two points. The Rebels finished the half strong, going on an 8-2 run that brought them within a single point, trailing 30-29 at halftime. This surge was a testament to their resilience, especially considering their earlier shooting struggles.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically at the start of the second half. UCLA opened with an explosive 12-1 run, quickly extending their lead to 42-30. By the end of the third quarter, the Bruins had outscored Ole Miss 25-15, leading 55-45. Betts was particularly effective during this stretch, scoring 16 of UCLA's 30 first-half points and maintaining her offensive dominance.
In the final quarter, Gabriela Jaquez's fast-break layup pushed UCLA's lead to 63-46, and Ole Miss found themselves unable to mount a comeback. The Rebels' efforts were commendable, with Sadler, Todd-Williams, and Deans all contributing to the score, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bruins' substantial lead.
UCLA's only two losses this season came against JuJu Watkins and Southern California, but they avenged one of those defeats in the Big Ten Tournament final, defeating USC 72-67. The Bruins' defense has also been a focal point of their success, with Betts being named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year, averaging nearly three blocks per game this season.
As UCLA prepares for their next challenge against LSU, who defeated N.C. State 80-73 earlier on Friday, the Bruins are looking to capitalize on their momentum. Coach Cori Close, now in her 14th season with a record of 319-142, is eager to lead her team further into the tournament.
The matchup between UCLA and LSU promises to be an exciting clash, as both teams aim for a coveted spot in the Final Four. With Betts in top form and the Bruins showing depth in their lineup, they will be a formidable opponent for the Tigers.
For Ole Miss, the loss serves as a bittersweet end to their tournament run. The Rebels had shown promise throughout the season, including a notable upset against Baylor to reach the Sweet 16. This year marked their second appearance in the Sweet 16 in three years, a sign of progress for the program.
Despite the disappointment, the Rebels can take pride in their performance, particularly in the second half of the season. With key players like Sadler and Deans stepping up, there is hope for future success as they look to build on this season's achievements.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Bruins as they aim to continue their impressive run and capture the championship. The excitement of March Madness is palpable, and with each game, the stakes grow higher.
