LOS ANGELES -- Lauren Betts had a stellar night, scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds as the overall No. 1 seed UCLA Bruins triumphed over the Richmond Spiders 84-67 on Sunday night, securing their place in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. This victory extended UCLA's remarkable season, propelling their record to 32-2.
The match, held at Pauley Pavilion, started as a back-and-forth affair, with the Spiders making a early statement by shooting an impressive 73% to lead 20-18 after the first quarter. Richmond, seeded eighth, managed to tie the game just before halftime, scoring the last seven points to bring the score to 36-36.
However, the second half showcased UCLA's dominant gameplay, particularly in the third quarter. The Bruins unleashed a flurry of scoring, outpacing the Spiders 29-7 during this pivotal period. UCLA's tenacity on both ends of the court became evident, especially when they forced Richmond into a stunning shooting slump, where the Spiders missed 12 of their 15 attempts.
Betts, the 6-foot-7 center, became an unstoppable force inside the paint. Not only did she score efficiently, finishing with 14 of 17 from the floor, but her defensive presence also contributed significantly to UCLA’s rebounding advantage of 40-28. The 21-8 edge on the offensive glass particularly highlighted their dominance.
The home crowd of 6,119 was electrified as the Bruins asserted their control, with Janiah Barker notably urging the fans to amplify their voices. UCLA didn't just win; they made a statement, especially after they had previously defeated the Southern Jaguars by a staggering 38 points in their first-round matchup, marking their biggest postseason win in program history.
Despite their efforts, Richmond struggled to keep pace with UCLA's firepower. The Spiders had notable performances too, with Maggie Doogan leading her team with 27 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Rachel Ullstrom added 18 points and seven rebounds. However, their collective efforts fell short against the relentless Bruins.
As the game progressed, Richmond attempted to battle back, even outscoring UCLA 24-19 in the fourth quarter, including two critical 7-0 runs. Yet, the effort proved insufficient to close the gap created by UCLA's decisive third quarter. The Spiders fought valiantly in their first Round of 32 appearance but were ultimately overwhelmed.
UCLA's victory now sets them up for a regional semifinal matchup against fifth-seeded Mississippi, who boasts a record of 22-10. This game is scheduled for March 28, 2025, in Spokane, marking yet another crucial test for the Bruins as they aim to build upon their successful tournament run.
In terms of pre-game predictions, analysts highlighted the mismatch of Betts against Richmond’s tallest player, who stands at 6-foot-3. Known as the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, Doogan had previously showed her capabilities against Georgia Tech but faced a monumental challenge against UCLA’s depth and size.
The Bruins' path in the tournament speaks volumes about their evolution under head coach Cori Close, as they look to reach the pinnacle of NCAA women's basketball. The team's resilience has been on display throughout the season, and with another Sweet 16 berth sealed, they have their sights set on deeper aspirations.
