In a thrilling Elite Eight showdown, the UCLA Bruins edged out the LSU Tigers 72-65, marking the end of LSU's season and propelling UCLA to the Final Four in Tampa. The game, held on March 30, 2025, showcased the incredible talent of Bruins center Lauren Betts, who played a pivotal role in the victory despite facing foul trouble early on.
Betts, a 6-foot-7 powerhouse, has been a force throughout the NCAA Tournament, and her performance against LSU was no exception. After scoring 31 points against Mississippi and 30 against Richmond in previous rounds, all eyes were on her as the Bruins prepared to take on the Tigers. However, LSU's coach Kim Mulkey was aware of the challenge Betts posed and emphasized the need to contain her. "She is so talented. Just watching her from high school until today, it's amazing how good she is," Mulkey remarked. "Certainly her height is an advantage and we're not going to grow that tall overnight. But we have to battle and do the best we can."
The game began with Betts making a quick impact, scoring six points in the first quarter. However, she found herself in foul trouble, picking up her second foul late in the first quarter, which led to her sitting out the entire second quarter. LSU seized this opportunity but failed to capitalize, struggling offensively without Betts on the court.
UCLA's coach Cori Close had previously noted that teams had attempted various strategies to slow down Betts, including double teams and zone defenses. But LSU's inability to take advantage of Betts' absence in the second quarter proved costly. The Tigers shot a mere 31% from the field and were particularly ineffective from beyond the arc, hitting only 22% of their three-point attempts.
As the second half began, Betts returned to the game with renewed energy, quickly regaining her scoring touch. She finished the contest with 17 points and seven rebounds, with a remarkable 11 of those points coming during the second half. "Betts’ return to the court fueled UCLA, allowing it to gain separation," said Close after the game. "Get Lauren touches; something good is going to happen."
While Betts shined, LSU's Flau'jae Johnson emerged as a standout performer for the Tigers, scoring 28 points, including 16 in a valiant fourth-quarter effort to bring LSU within three points in the final minutes. However, UCLA's solid free-throw shooting, particularly in the fourth quarter where they went 13-of-15 from the line, helped secure their lead.
Despite the loss, LSU's Aneesah Morrow and Sa’Myah Smith contributed significantly, with Morrow finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Smith added four points and 10 rebounds. The Tigers struggled with turnovers, committing nine in the first half alone, which hindered their ability to maintain offensive momentum.
The Bruins, who shot 10-of-24 from three-point range, received crucial support from Gabriela Jaquez, who led the team with 18 points, and Timea Gardiner, who added 15 points, showcasing the depth of UCLA's roster. The Bruins’ ability to stretch the floor with their shooting proved vital in overcoming LSU's defensive efforts.
As the final buzzer sounded, UCLA celebrated a hard-fought victory that avenged their loss to LSU in last year's Sweet 16. The Bruins will now advance to the Final Four, where they will continue their quest for a national championship. Betts' performance throughout the tournament has solidified her status as one of the standout players, and her ability to adjust and excel under pressure has been a key factor in UCLA's success.
Looking ahead, the Bruins will need to maintain their focus and energy as they prepare for the challenges that await them in Tampa. With a strong roster and a talented coach, UCLA is poised to make a significant impact as they vie for the national title.
