UCLA Bruins Face Off Against LSU Tigers In Elite Eight

As the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament heats up, all eyes are on the Elite Eight matchup between the top-ranked UCLA Bruins and the third-seeded LSU Tigers. Scheduled for Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington, this game promises to be a thrilling clash of titans, with a coveted spot in the Final Four on the line.

Leading the charge for UCLA is the formidable Lauren Betts, a 6-foot-7 center who has been nothing short of sensational this postseason. Following a grueling offseason filled with intense training and development, Betts has emerged as a dominant force, averaging 20.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. Her scoring has seen a significant leap from last season, where she averaged 14.9 points per game. This season, her ability to create plays for her teammates has also improved, as she is averaging nearly three assists per game compared to just one last year.

Betts' recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Coming off back-to-back 30-point double-doubles, including a stunning 31-point, 10-rebound game against Ole Miss, she has shown that she is playing some of the best basketball of her career. In that game, Betts shot an incredible 93.8 percent from the field, going 15-for-16, showcasing her efficiency and skill around the rim. “I would say I’m playing good basketball right now, but I wouldn’t say my best,” Betts remarked, hinting that there is even more to come.

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey acknowledges the challenge her team faces in containing Betts. "Her height is really an advantage, but it's also her skill level. Every time I watch her play, she does something really, really good," Mulkey said. The Tigers will need to rely on their defensive prowess, with forwards Aneesah Morrow and Sa'Myah Smith tasked with the critical job of containing Betts in the paint. Morrow, a three-time All-American, is known for her defensive instincts and rebounding ability, while Smith has recently come into her own, highlighted by a stellar performance in the Sweet 16 against NC State.

"[She will bring] a challenge, of course, with her height," Morrow commented about Betts. "But we’re going to bang with her, we’re going to be physical, we’re going to try and take her a little bit out of position and take her a little bit out of her comfort zone." This strategy will be essential for LSU if they hope to disrupt UCLA's offensive flow, which heavily relies on Betts.

Betts has embraced her role as the focal point of opposing teams’ game plans, using it as an opportunity to grow as a leader. “Just making sure I’m mentally prepared to communicate to my teammates, making sure I can tell them what they’re doing,” she said. This leadership will be crucial as the Bruins look to avenge their loss to LSU in last year's Sweet 16, a game that ended their hopes of reaching the Final Four.

The Bruins have made significant strides since that defeat, finishing the regular season with a remarkable 27-2 record and winning the Big Ten tournament title. Their success has been a product of hard work and preparation, with head coach Cori Close emphasizing the importance of creating challenging scenarios in practice to prepare her team for high-pressure situations. "I needed to push them out of that comfort zone and create the struggle and adversity that was going to make them learn to be empowered to make their own decisions," Close explained.

As the game approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes. UCLA's Kiki Rice and Londynn Jones have also stepped up, with Rice shooting 63.6 percent from beyond the arc in tournament play, while Jones brings energy and range to the Bruins' offense. The synergy between Betts and her teammates has been evident, as they look to exploit the defensive weaknesses of LSU.

For LSU, the road to victory will require a balanced offensive attack. Morrow and Johnson are both capable scorers, and their ability to create opportunities will be crucial in keeping pace with UCLA. The Tigers have shown resilience throughout the tournament, and Mulkey believes her team has the heart and determination to compete. "You can't measure heart. Go play," she said, emphasizing the importance of effort and tenacity in this high-stakes matchup.

As the clock ticks down to tip-off, the excitement is palpable. This Elite Eight showdown not only represents a chance for both teams to secure a place in the Final Four but also serves as a testament to the growth and development of the players involved. With Lauren Betts leading the Bruins and LSU's talented roster ready to challenge her dominance, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with intensity, skill, and heart.

UCLA and LSU will face off at Spokane Arena, and with the stakes so high, this matchup is sure to deliver drama and excitement. As the teams prepare to take the floor, both sides will be eager to prove themselves and continue their journey toward the ultimate prize: a national championship.